#also I’ll start working on the Jonathan request soon because I really love that idea too!

[kitmon]

would love to see jonathan and eddie re-(because they TOTALLY knew each other the whole time) meeting 👀

or maybe even heather and eddie coming face to face (doesn’t have to be shippy—i just need to see them being haters in the same frame for sanity purposes)

Oh girl FINALLY an excuse to draw Heather! I love her so much it’s actually not even funny 😭

This is obviously not canon Heather, I love her too, but I dunno, I wanted to give some rep for the Afro-Latinas!

So I took elements of canon Heather and your OC Lisa from your moodboard and I kinda just mashed them together, I hope that’s alright!

[pappydaddy]

Mashed Potatoes and Joel Hoekstra (b.h.)

 A/N: This is for the lovely anon who wanted a Billy x Byers!Reader. I was so excited to write this one, I loved this request (I am loving ALL requests, but I’ve been loving these Billy ones lately!). Definitely very fun to write this one so thank you so much for requesting doll! Hope you love it lovely anon💛!

Pairing: Billy Hargrove x Fem!Byers!Reader

Show/Movie: Stranger Things

Requested

Warnings: Mean people, bullying, prejudice, the shits of the teenage years, but fluff in the end!

Remember guys! Your family name does not define you or someone else! It’s who they are that defines them, it’s who you are that defines you. It’s how you act, how you treat people, etc. Just like you don’t judge a book by it’s cover, you don’t judge a person by their name. If anyone tries to put you in a box simply because of a prejudice with your name, ignore them. I know it’s hard, I know - trust me, but they really don’t deserve your time. And if you feel trapped in a box because of your name, just know that you can break free from that box. My DMs are ALWAYS open if you lovelies need to talk💛!

masterlist | taglist | wips | navigation - not my gif - 

  “Billy,” Y/N’s soft voice broke the tranquil silence that had settled over the room. Her finger that had been tracing random shapes on his chest stopped moving, her eyes flicking around the darkroom as she waited for him to respond in some way. She knew he wasn’t asleep by the lack of snores lowly rumbling in his chest (which she also laid her head upon) and his breathing pattern. He hummed, the sound reverberating in his chest, his hand still stroking up and down along the dip in her back where her spine was. “We’ve been dating for a few months now-” 

  “Six months.” He interjected, pressing a warm kiss to the top of her head. 

  “Right, yeah, we’ve been dating for six months,” She nodded, her already tangled hair tangling a bit more. Her voice was nervous, not knowing how he would react to her bringing this up. “And I was just thinking that maybe it would be time for you to meet my family,” She asked, her voice pitching up towards the end. “Maybe. You don’t have to if you don’t want to, but it’s just everyone else I’ve dated has met them by now, but then again, everyone else I’ve ever dated left a few weeks after meeting them so-”

  “You’re rambling again, Bug.” Billy cut her off gently, knowing that she rambled and rants when she’s nervous and scared. Her cheeks heated up, burning as she settled back down to cuddle into Billy’s bare chest. 

  “Sorry.” She whispered. 

  Billy pressed another kiss to her hair, knowing that her ex’s all harped on her about her nervous rambles, making her snap her mouth shut and sink into herself. “Nothing to be sorry for, Bug, you’re nervous.” He reassured her. 

  She took a deep breath, calming herself as Billy gave her the silent support she needed. “Back on track,” She nodded her tone calm once again. “I still think you should meet my family because they are really important to me and you’re really important to me and I just really would like it if you guys got along,” She expressed nervously. The room was silent as she waited impatiently for his response, her breath was hitched, her mind automatically assuming that he was going to leave her right here, right now because he didn’t want to meet her family or worse, not feel the same about her. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to; if you’re not there in the relationship, that’s fine, we can take a few steps back if you’d like-” She started to shrink away from him, her mind panicking as it continued to imagine him leaving her like the rest - like her father. 

  “No-” Billy interjected softly, gently pulling her back to be flush against him. “I’ll meet your family only if you get some sleep, it’s late and you’re exhausted. He bargained, suddenly feeling nervous and wanting her to go to sleep for her sake and his. 

  “Okay, deal.” She yawned, closing her eyes, snuggling her cheek farther into his chest, listening to the beating of his heart. Billy squeezed his eyes closed as he tried to control his heartbeat so he didn’t alert her to his sudden nervousness. 

____  

  The next day was relaxed other than Billy’s increasing nervousness. He loved Y/N, he was at that place in the relationship where the only logical step would be to meet each other’s family, but he couldn’t help but feel a sense of doom. For one, meeting her family meant she would have to meet his family and he wanted to keep her as far away from Neil as possible. Secondly, the Byers family had a certain reputation around Hawkins High and Middle and Billy had heard all about it from his friends. Of course, he was stand-off-ish of Y/N before they started dating because of this reputation, but everything turned out fine with her so why wouldn’t her family be the same? 

  “What’s got you so quiet, Hargrove?” Tommy asked aggressively as they mulled around the locker room, changing after gym class. Billy jolted out of his thoughts as he just stood, staring into his locker. Looking back at Tommy, he blinked at him for a second before comprehending what his question was. 

  “Uh, nothing,” Billy shook his head, grabbing his shirt from his locker, slipping it on. “It’s just that Y/N invited me over to meet her family.” He had no idea why he was confessing this to Tommy and his other friends of all people, knowing how they feel about Y/N and the rest of her family. The words had tumbled out before he could even think about stopping them. 

  “Woah,” Tommy exclaimed, laughing as he pretended to back away from Billy as if he were carrying some sort of contagious disease. “Boys! Say good-bye to the Billy we all know because soon, he’s gonna be infected by the Weird-os.” His statement earned a chorus of laughs from the boys huddled around. 

  “Buzz off Tommy, they can’t be that bad. I mean, Y/N is great!” Billy said mostly to himself, closing his locker. 

  “Sure, she’s the most normal one,” Tommy shrugged. “But the rest of them man,” He shook his head as if telling some old wise tale. “They are complete basket cases. Completely messed in the head. Look at Jonathan for an example,” Tommy paused, walking over to Billy and slinging his arm over his shoulder. “Nobody talks to him, he sits in the back of the classes or in that stupid dark room, playing with his stupid little camera.” 

  “Y/N says that he’s quiet and works most of the time so he doesn’t have much time to hang out and the time he does have, he chooses to practice photography.” Billy pointed out, pushing Tommy’s arm off him. Tommy remained unfazed, leaning against the lockers as he continued.

  “Alright, if not Jonathan, then the younger one,” He paused, using his hands to set the scene. “He died, okay? Died and came back to life like in one of his freaky little movies he and his dork friends watch,” Billy glared at him, knowing full well that Max was one of his friends. “Much like his brother, he just sits there and colours and colours and colours. He’s in middle school and still colours like a pre-schooler.” 

  “He’s pretty talented, I’ve seen some of his pictures in the car when Y/N has it.” 

  “Now, let’s talk about the mother. She works at a general store, she dated that geek from Radio Shack, her husband left her, she had a meltdown in the middle of the street, she bought all the fucking lights in Hawkins because she thought her dead son was talking to her through them,” He paused. Billy opened his mouth to defend Joyce, but Tommy cut him off. “They are weird, Hargrove. They are completely nuts and you better prepare to be just as nuts because I am pretty sure it’s contagious.” 

  “Just look at Harrington and Wheeler,” Another guy piped up, making Billy look towards him. “They started to hang around with the Byers and look at them, they turned just as crazy. Constantly looking over their shoulders, Harrington only hangs around kids now, always having hushed conversations with them and Wheeler only talks to Jonathan now.” 

  “That’s not-” 

  ‘That’s not the same,” Tommy cut Billy off with a question. “It is exactly the same. Meeting the Byers is like the kiss of death. Kills your social life and makes you crazy-” 

  “Billy,” Y/N’s voice called into the locker room from the door she held slightly open. “Are you in here, we should really be getting to lunch, I’m starving!” 

  “Yeah, be out in a second!” He called to her, the door softly closing in response. He nervously looked at the door as Tommy clicked his tongue. 

  “It’s your choice, Hargrove, it’s your grave you’re digging.” Billy glared at him, shrugging on his jean jacket and leaving the locker room. His eyes met Y/N easily, seeing her talking to Steve excitedly. Though Billy still didn’t like Steve, he didn’t have the mental or emotional capacity at that given time to deal with his fluffy-haired nemesis, too busy fretting about what to do about meeting Y/N’s family. 

  “There you are, I was worried that you accidentally slammed your head in the locker or something,” She joked, not realizing that Billy was actually considering it. He didn’t want to make her think that he wasn’t ready to take the next step in the relationship, but I also was scared now. As much as he wanted to admit that he didn’t trust Tommy H and all the other guys, he really did want to say that he let their warnings roll off his back, but he couldn’t. “Come on, I want to eat, see you, Steve!” She grabbed Billy’s hand, pulling him out of the gym and into the halls. 

  “What were you talking to Harrington about?” He asked, hoping that it was completely unrelated to her having him over for dinner. 

  “About you meeting my family,” She chirped happily. Billy wanted to deflate right there. Of course it had to be about that. It couldn’t have been about anything else. Anything to take his mind off something so anxiety inducing. “He thinks it’s a great idea! He said that you would love my family and I really hope he’s right.” 

  “I really hope so too-” He muttered under his breath. 

  “What was that?” She asked, her brows furrowing as she leaned in closer. 

  “Nothing, Bug.” He told her, hoping she would buy it. She pulled a face, shrugging before regaining her giddy mood. 

  “Must have just been hearing things,” She chalked it up. “Anyway, I was thinking that you should come round to my place at seven? My mom is off today so she’s been prepping for this since nine this morning!” 

  “Yeah, about that,” Billy spoke slowly, dreading what he was about to do. He really didn’t want to do it, but he needed to buy himself sometime so he could figure out his next move. Find a way to keep Y/N while not having to meet her family. “I’m feeling a little sick to my stomach, Bug. I don’t know if I’m going to be able to go tonight.” 

  “Oh no,” She gasped, her hand squeezing his affectionately as she stopped in the hallway. “You might have overdone it in gym today, especially when I accidentally kicked that soccer ball right into your stomach, sorry about that by the way.” 

  “No, it wasn’t that, but you do have one hell of a kick on you,” He shook his head, not wanting her to blame herself. “I just think I’m coming down with something and I really don’t want to infect your family.” He lied through his teeth. 

  She awed, her hand coming up to cup his cheek sweetly. “That’s so sweet,” She cooed. Her hand slid from his face as disappointment flashed across her face, but it was gone as soon as it came, or at least she tried to fake it. Billy could see the disappointment she tried to bury, his heart pulling at the sight of it, knowing that he was the one who caused it. “It’s alright, I want you to worry about your health first. I’ll just go call my mom and tell her that there was a change of plans-” She paused, looking for a quarter as she tried to ignore the worry bubbling up once again. “Could I borrow a quarter? I think I spent mine calling her earlier to check up.” She asked, extending her flat palm, waiting for him to drop a quarter in it. 

  Billy tucked his bottom lip between his teeth. He could tell she was thinking that he was trying to avoid meeting her family because he just didn’t want to. While there was some truth to that, he couldn’t let her feel like he was pulling away from her. “You know what,” He pushed her hand back down to her side. “I’m going to go to the nurse and see if she can help me. I’ll see you before next period and update you, Bug.” He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before running off down the hall. 

  “Okay-” She breathed out, shocked. She watched him run past Tommy and his gaggle of idiots, the group watching him run - laughing. 

  “Oh, the crazy is already starting to rub off on you, Hargrove!” Tommy yelled, but Billy either ignored it or didn’t hear it. Y/N eyed Tommy oddly before eyeing Billy’s retreating form. 

____

  The fact that Billy stood at the front door of the Byers’ house was a miracle in itself, considering how many times Billy considered swerving hard right into a tree in order to escape this night, but he pushed forward, knowing that Y/N was worth it. He tightened his grip on the bouquet of flowers, the thorns digging into his hand making him wince. Groaning, he switched holds, shaking his stinging hand out. He felt constricted in his clean cut clothes, his button-up buttoned more than usual, only the first two buttons being undone. The slacks itched his legs and made him feel like he was heading to a Sunday service. 

  Taking a deep breath, he raised his close fist, hitting his knuckles against the door twice in rapid succession. He could hear a scuffle from behind the door and Y/N’s distinctive voice pleading with her mother to let her answer it. The door was jerked open, revealing a breathless woman and a blushing Y/N standing in the back looking defeated. “You must be Y/N’s sister.” Billy used his normal line that worked wonders on mothers, but he was so off his game that he sounded a bit nervous, spitting the line out a few moments too late. The woman didn’t seem to mind, taking the compliment easily.  

  “Oh, stop it,” She flicked her hand, a wide smile nearly breaking her face as she laughed. “You must be Billy,” She continued to giggle, the laughter making her look youthful. If Billy hadn’t known that she had two teenagers and a pre-teen, then Billy would have thought she was much younger. “I’m Joyce, come on in, you must be cold,” She ushered him in hurriedly, her hand guiding him into the warm, cozy house as it rested on his upper back. “Standing out there in only a shirt in this fall weather.” She shook her head, closing the door behind him. 

  “Mom-” Y/N whined, embarrassed by her mother’s fussing. Joyce gave her a look, silencing the whine. 

  “You stop that and get this poor boy a drink,” Joyce insisted, leading Billy over to one of the couches. With a small groan in protest, Y/N ducked into the kitchen and out of Billy’s sight, sending him right on edge again. He sat on the couch, his clammy hands running over his slacks as his eyes watched Joyce. She was fairly gentle and normal looking for someone everyone called insane. “Will, go grab Jonathan from the shed, supper is going to be in a few minutes.” Joyce told the small looking boy who worked at setting the table for five, a mismatched chair added to the four that looked like they normally surround the table.

  “You have a lovely home Ms. Byers, thank you for having me.” He extended the pleasantry, seeing Y/N coming into the room with a glass of water. 

  “Please, call me Joyce,” She told him, waving him off once again. “And it’s no problem, Hunny. We’re glad to have you. You’re welcome anytime!” She reassured him, thinking that his nerves were from the donating task of meeting the family for the first time. 

  “Will do.” Billy nodded, gulping down his water. Y/N sat next to him on the couch, her hand naturally falling to his knee. Though his nerves lifted with each passing second he spends with them, he couldn’t seem to get Tommy’s warnings out of his head. 

  “You know, my mom was so excited for you to get here, she side-checked me out of the way to get the door,” Y/N told him, giggling. That seemed normal enough, they all seemed to have a good relationship with each other. It was more functional than his family and they were deemed normal. “And I definitely think you made her entire night with your comment.” 

  “Kids, dinner is ready,” Joyce called from the kitchen. Y/N patted Billy’s leg, standing up. Billy swallowed thickly, feeling like he was walking to his death as he neared the table filled with loads of dishes full of a beautiful home-cooked meal. “Billy, dear, you’re the guest so you can sit here,” Joyce patted the chair at the head of the table, before pointing to the chair next to it that sat between the wall and the table. “Y/N, you sit there.” She instructed her daughter. 

  “So, Billy,” Will spoke up, taking his place beside Y/N, looking directly at the blonde as he scooted his chair in. “Max tells me you like rock music. What’s your favourite band?” He posed the question, grabbing the pitcher of water and filling his glass up. 

  “Uh- I’ve been listening to a lot of Whitesnake lately, but I would say the Scorpions are my favourite band I guess.” Billy answered him, his hands nervously hovering over his plate, not sure what he should be doing. 

  “That’s cool, I like The Clash the most personally, but I like watching the Whitesnake videos, their hair is really cool-” Will nodded, accepting Billy’s answer. 

  “And where have you been watching Whitesnake videos, young man?“ Joyce perked in eyebrow at the youngest, making him shrink back slightly, but Billy could tell it was all playful banter. 

  “At Dustin’s.” He admitted, making Y/N laugh and nod as if it were to suspected. 

  “That was probably Steve’s doing, no doubt.” Y/N pointed out, filling up her own water before filling Billy’s glass automatically.

  “Yeah, it was Steve, he turned MTV on while he was watching us play D&D,” Will perked up at the mention of Steve. Looking right at Billy, he excitedly spoke. “I drew Joel Hoekstra a few months ago, but I made fire shoot out the end of the neck of his guitar. It’s insanely cool.” 

  “Billy, you haven’t gotten any food yet! Go on, you get some first.” Joyce noticed, holding a bowl of mashed potatoes to him. He looked at the bowl of potatoes, perfectly whipped. To anyone else at the table, it was just a bowl of starch and butter, but to Billy, it was the sign that they weren’t crazy. They were just not fitting into the box that everyone says you have to fit in. Looking at the bowl, he felt every bit of nervousness and apprehensiveness leave his body. Smiling, he gently took the bowl, scooping some out onto his plate, causing everyone to start putting food on their plates. 

  “Hey, Will,” Billy spoke up, causing everyone to look at him nervously. Jonathan eyed him, not trusting him yet. “Maybe after dinner, you could show me that drawing? Joel Hoekstra is my favourite member of Whitesnake.” He suggested, causing the boy to light up. Y/N smiled gently, her hand laying over Billy’s gratefully. Who knew that some mashed potatoes and Joel Hoekstra was all it took to see the Byers for who they were.

[carnationcreation]

Can you do a Jonathan Byers one-shot where the female reader is a Hawkins Lab experiment who has super speed and was known as Seven and escaped the lab with Eleven and they were adopted by Hopper and she started dating Jonathan and during the fight with the mind flayer she tires herself out and faints and he goes into cute concerned boyfriend mode?

TITLE: New Life (Jonathan Byers x Hopper!reader)

✌🏻Masterlist 

💕 Request an imagine here!

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Request: yes!

Prompt/summary: Reader is an escaped experiment from Hawkins lab, after being adopted by Hopper with her sister El they struggle to adjust to the outside world. 

Word Count: 1,155

Warnings:  none

Authors note: I was listening to Dumb by KOPPS and Branded by NateWantsToBattle, really sets the vibe of most of the scenes

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Y/h/c) = Your hair color

(Y/f/b)= your favorite band

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 She knew the blood dripping off her feet would attract the hounds.

At this point it didn’t matter if she wanted to give up, she’d be dead either way. The hounds would tear her apart. If they were going to catch her they’ll have to keep up.

Her powers only worked if she had enough energy. After a full night of running, both super sonically and regularly, she was exhausted. The clothes she had escaped with were torn and she had bruises on her body from the times she fell over branches and rocks sticking out of the ground. She knew she would have to find food soon, but she didn’t have any idea of how to get it.

The growl in her stomach went away for just a little bit, then it came back with a painful vengeance. Her days at the lab consisted of being locked in her room or being put into the tank. What little she could remember about her life before was stripped away in a matter of months and the more she thought about it the more her head hurt and she came up empty. 

Her vision was going in and out. Her feet felt like lead and she knew she wouldn’t be able to run much longer.

Maybe, she thought, if I just lay down here. I’ll be dead before they find me.

It was an optimistic thought. What she didn’t expect was to feel someone gently picking her up. Her body sunk into him. She couldn’t have been more than 13 years old but she had a number lower than 11...

Hopper turned her wrist over and saw the tattoo on the girls small wrist. A tiny 07 was drawn there, surely she had to have been there before El.

By the time he had gotten back to the cabin El knew he had her and was bringing her home. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next few months were terrifying for the girl. She couldn’t speak much, just like El when she was first found. After days of trying to feed her and get her to talk it wasn’t until El presented her own tattoo that the girl seemed to relax. The only time she would eat was when El was in the room, the only time she would sleep was when they were both in bed.

Her powers were a struggle. She had to learn she couldn’t use them around other people. And people. The girl had spent her entire life locked away, only seeing other humans if she was useful enough. So being introduced to knew people was terrifying. They soon found out she was probably around 16-17 when they took her in for a check up with a private doctor. Hopper pulled some strings so it was no questions asked, and an adoption paper was formed a few days later.

She found some comfort in Nancy, who took the girl under her wing buying her clothes and teaching her how to keep her hair in order. The (y/c/h) was finally starting to grow out from the horrible buzz cut she had when she was found. 

Then she met Jonathan.

At first he thought she hated him, because whenever he was around she would cling to the people she deemed safe. Nancy assured him she would warm up to him eventually, but there was still a voice in his head that said she wouldn’t. 

She grew close to Will after he gave her a drawing he had made for her. He carefully explained that it was her in the game that they play. He drew her as an Elf, one with the power of speed, he drew her with long wavy hair that was styled half up half down and a glorious crown on top of her head. She kept the drawing in her bedroom and looked at it before going to bed. Jonathan wouldn’t lie, he was jealous his brother bonded with her before he did. And besides, Will was a few years younger. But still he waited patiently to see how you would react to him.

Slowly you started warming up to him. After a while you started to look curiously at the camera he always carried with him.

”It’s a camera,” he said handing it to her, “Look, place your finger right there, and press it.”

the girl jumped as the flash went off. Jonathan grabbed the picture that popped out of the top of it and shook it a few times. The girl watched in wonder as the picture of Jonathan slowly appeared on the film. She pointed excitedly to it.

”Yes you did a good job!” he smiled. She couldn’t help but smile back.

As time went on Joyce invited the two girls over to their house more often. (Y/n), as Hopper had named her on the fake birth certificate, would wander in to Jonathan’s room to look at the pictures that were scattered on the walls. 

”Have you ever listened to music?” Jonathan asked her one day.

She shook her head and looked at the small cassette he had in his hands. He popped it into the radio and she stared with furrowed eyebrows at the machine. 

“Not much into rock huh? I guess we can find something you’ll like.”

Slowly, the two grew a friendship. Jonathan made it his personal mission to find out what kind of music (Y/n) would like best and also adjusting to her new life. They eventually landed on (y/f/b), and whenever he knew (Y/n) was coming over he’d have a tape ready for her to listen to. Will would join in occasionally on their music sessions.

They both soon learned how starved (Y/n) was of physical touch. Growing up as an experiment didn’t leave much room for hugs or gentle touches. She’d let Will lay in her lap whenever he wanted and hugs were always exchanged when they saw each other. The first time Jonathan tried to brush her hair out of her face with his hand he saw he flinch, his heart fell and thoughts of what might’ve happened to her to cause that raced through his mind. Soon enough he could reach for her hand without her pulling away. Soon enough she started reaching for his too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jonathan did his best to keep the girl away from Star Court. (Y/n) had stayed home most of that summer. With all the fireworks going off and all the people milling around she didn’t feel safe enough to go out. It wasn’t until the rest of the kids came to the cabin to give El the chance to find the Mind Flayer that she learned about what all the experiments at the lab where truly for.

Billy had found them.

They were trapped inside the mall after everyone split up to complete the mission. Mike frantically spoke into the walkie-talkie trying to get in contact with the Scoops Troop. Eleven moved the car as the mind flayer made its way into the mall, everyone ran to hide. They could hear Dustin finally talking over the walkie-talkie.

The mind flayer stalked around the food court. From her place behind the car (Y/n) could hear it making its way over. El and (Y/n) made eye contact, they both nodded and El’s group ran for cover in the Gap store. The mind flayer heard movement and went to turn and (Y/n) ran and threw a knife, hitting it in the leg to distract it, but by the time it turned around she was gone. (Y/n) ran over to the group and picked El up, they ran to a back hallway trying to get the injured El to safety.

 Billy stalked his way down the hall to the four.

“Billy please, your name is Billy Hargrove you live at-” Max cried before hitting her and knocking her against the wall. Mike stood between him and the girls but it was no use. Before they could even properly react he knocked both Mike and (Y/n) out and took El with him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jonathan found them back there, he woke them up finally and they raced back out to the food court to execute Plan B. 

(Y/n) ran back and forth at the first floor, sing rope to tie up the Mind Flayers legs as the others threw fireworks in it’s face to distract it. Soon enough they fan out. With Dustin yelling frantically to close the gate. We all ran for cover and watched in shock as Billy stood up. He faced the Mind Flayer, and when it shot it’s nasty tongue out Billy blocked it from hitting El. Arm after arm reached out and impaled the boy. Max screamed. (Y/n) saw her chance and used the last of her strength to run down and grab El, Mike, and Max to bring them to safety. Finally a big explosion went off from below and everything went dark. 

When (Y/n) woke everything was dark. All the lights had went out and the fire department was loading her up onto a stretcher. Jonathan ran up beside her and got onto the ambulance with her.

“Jonathan?” she said meekly.

“I’m right here (Y/n), I’m right here.”

“Where’s El?”

Jonathan paused, “She’s with my mom. She’s safe just injured.”

“Hopper?”

Jonathan didn’t respond. Tears formed in (Y/n)’s eyes as she began to sob. 

“(Y/n) I promise you we’ll keep you safe. You’re going to be fine.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was 3 months after the battle of Star Court. Joyce had adopted both El and (Y/n), who still hadn’t fully recovered from the loss of the person who has showed them so much love. (Y/n) had grown closer and closer to Jonathan. Clinging to him after she got out of the hospital. The Byers had finally decided to move. (Y/n) laughed at Max and Lucas’ terrible rendition of The Never Ending Story. She watched as El tried to use her powers once again on the stuffed Koala in the closet. 

“Don’t hurt yourself El,” (Y/n) yelled from the living room. 

Jonathan walked in from outside with Nancy and sat down beside the girl on the couch.

“Hey. How are you feeling?” he said. He kissed her temple as he wrapped his arm around her.

“Scared,” (Y/n) said.

“Scred? Of moving?”

(Y/n) stared at the floor, “Yeah...”

“We’re going to be okay, we’ll have a fresh start. No one will know where you came from other than Hawkins. They’ll just know you as (Y/n), the girl that’s really fast and has the prettiest smile.”

Their powers were gone. It was hard to adjust to at first. Both (Y/n) and El felt so empty inside, but they knew it was for the best. Maybe they could lead a normal life. (Y/n) slowly became more comfortable with the affection between her and Jonathan. And he began to introduce her to people as his girlfriend. What little (Y/n) knew about relationships all pointed to the fact that she cared about Jonathan. Not in the way that she cares for Will or El, but a different kind of care. She didn’t mind being called his girlfriend. 

She heard El’s sobs from the bedroom and left Jonathan’s embrace to make sure she was okay. After reading Hopper’s letter they both sat on the floor sobbing until Joyce told them it was time to go.

Boxes were loaded in to the U Haul and hugs were exchanged among the kids. (Y/n) looked back on the house from the front seat of the car, watching as her friends waved from their spot on their bikes. She smiled through her tears and waved until she couldn’t see them anymore. 

“Babe?” Jonathan said.

She turned to look at him.

“This is going to be our new life, away from any monsters in Hawkins. We’ll be back for Thanksgiving, I promise.”

She smiled and buckled in to her seat. She reached for Jonathan’s hand and he pulled it up to his lips to place a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Her heart swelled at the small gesture, before turning to stare at the road ahead.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

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[mrs-daddyissues]

considerably

~ C H A P T E R  7 ~

~ Masterlist ~

Pairing: Alfred Pennyworth x OFC

Series Summary: Sarabi Nichols is Bruce Wayne’s life long friend that aids in creating weaponry and making outfits. When she was younger she had a thing for Bruce but now her taste has aged. Considerably. Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce’s guardian and butler is more her style now. Despite this knew found liking, Sarabi feels trapped. She can’t talk to Bruce about it and clearly can’t mention it to Alfred. The only person she has is her best friend, Claudia. Sarabi has to fight the things she feels for the older man because he could never feel the same way back, right?

{Normal} Playlist

{Slowed+Reverb} Playlist

Warnings: Sexual innuendo, swearing

Word Count: 4019

Author’s Note:

In this chapter a classic DC character appears (they won’t be a recurring character, just a little nod). I want to preface this by saying I do not own the rights to that character and have also changed their backstory slightly. There’s also a couple of references to previous Batman films. One other thing, I am returning to work in the next few days and that means that my posting schedule with be much less consistent, sorry. Also apologies this chapter’s a bit long but still, I hope you enjoy!

The process of getting Sarabi and Claudia ready for the gala was both stressful and relaxing at the same time. The whole operation took at least 7 hours and the gala started at 7, so they had 9 hours from the time they got up.

It started with the two girls cleaning Sarabi’s bed from all of Sarabi’s previous experiences. They then had a warm bubble bath each and Claudia instructed Sarabi to scrub every inch of her skin.

The two girls then got dressed in simple clothing and Bruce welcomed in his private spa technicians. The lady was named Frida and she had a sidekick Jonathan that was in training. Claudia planned to get Jonathan’s number before quickly realising he was much more interested in Bruce. Sarabi had to hold in her giggles at Claudia’s disappointed face.

Sarabi and Claudia both got their nails done, Claudia’s a dusty sand colour and Sarabi’s a deep red. They each got every follicle of hair removed from their bodies and then a cleansing facial. 

After the spa part was taken care of, they bid farewell to Frida and Jonathan and had lunch. It was already 1 o’clock and Bruce was busy looking over the final decor for the mansion. 

Sarabi’s mind had been completely distracted from Alfred with everything that had been going on but as soon as she and Claudia stepped foot in the dining room it all came back to her. Alfred wore an apron over his clothes as he dished up their lunches. Sarabi’s heart started beating so fast like a rabbit running from a fox. Claudia noticed her sudden behaviour change and tapped her shoulder.

“Relax girl, I’m right here,” Claudia assured her as the two sat down.

“Thank you, Alfred, this looks amazing,” Claudia’s mouth practically watered at the display in front of her. Claudia rarely got treats like this and she worshipped Alfred’s cooking as much as Sarabi.

“Thanks, Alfred,” Sarabi then dug into her plate of pasta.

“You are more than welcome, ladies. If you need me I’ll be in the ballroom. Master Wayne is being the picky bastard that he is,” Alfred dissed Bruce and Sarabi couldn’t help but laugh.

“Alfred!” Bruce’s voice screamed and Sarabi rolled her eyes. His voice was so whiny and loud. He was clearly stressed because of this gala.

“Master Wayne, I’m coming! Calm the hell down!” Alfred yelled back before turning back the women.

“See what I have to deal with?” Alfred fixed his glasses before rushing off to Bruce.

“Thanks again, Alfred,” Sarabi commented to his retreating form.

“My pleasure,” Alfred turned his head around, bowed slightly and ran off to the ballroom as Bruce continued shouting the house down.

Sarabi gaped after Alfred and kept looking at where he had been just a few seconds before.

“Sarabi!" Claudia waved a hand in front of her zoned out face to get her attention.

“Wow, you must really be in love,” Claudia commented and Sarabi snapped her attention back to her.

“I am not in love. I am infatuated,” Sarabi corrected but couldn’t meet Claudia’s gaze. Sarabi didn’t know if she was in love. 

Whenever she saw Alfred her breath came out heavier and her heartbeat quickened. She also became immediately turned on without him needing to do anything. She had no idea what it was she was feeling but she didn’t think it was just lust now.

“No darling, infatuation is short-lived, this has been going on for way too long to just be an infatuation,” Claudia explained with a shoulder shrug.

“Right now it doesn’t matter. Tonight you’re gonna blow him away and maybe get some, you never know,” Claudia beamed as she spoke and Sarabi’s body filled with hope.

“Who knows?” Sarabi finished up her pasta and the two girls talked for longer than they should have. They only had about 5 hours to get the rest of their looks put together and knowing Claudia, she’d take all the time she could get.

It was a good decision on Claudia’s part to start getting ready at 10 o’clock as makeup and hair, on both of them, took a collective 4 hours. Sarabi still can’t believe she sat there for 2 and a half hours while Claudia fussed over what the hairstylist and makeup artist should do. Claudia ended up having her hair parted on the right and curled lightly. She also placed it on her left shoulder. She looked effortlessly and classically beautiful. Claudia had such a unique and model-like look, it was astounding. Claudia also wore more very simple makeup with some golden shimmer on her eyes.

Sarabi was much less fussy about her look but Claudia made up for it by fussing for her. She said it had to be perfect and nothing short of it. Sarabi opted to have her naturally curly hair but part it the same as Claudia. She also had very light makeup but decided to wear a deep red lip to go with her dress. 

Once their hair and makeup were done, it was time for the outfits to come together. It was 6:30 and Claudia planned for the two of them to be fashionably late. Claudia had this all planned out like it was a spy mission.

“I’m gonna go down first and find Bruce and Alfred. I’ll tell them that you should be down any minute and then there you are. You come down that staircase like you own the joint, which you will,” Claudia further reiterated her point with large hand motions.

“Don’t you wanna walk down together?” Sarabi asked, confused. She thought they’d be much more powerful together.

“No, because how will we know if Alfred is watching? You need him to be watching. Cause once he sees you and your assets, he’ll swoon,” Claudia reassured as she stepped into her dress. Sarabi helped her pull it up and was stunned by Claudia’s effortless beauty. The dress Claudia wore was gorgeous. It was a golden, spaghetti-strapped Jovani gown with a sweetheart neckline. 

“Wow, I look hot but not as hot as you. Let’s get you dressed,” Claudia spun around quickly before picking up Sarabi’s gown.

“Holy shit! You’re gonna look so hot,” Claudia assisted Sarabi in getting the dress on and Claudia’s mouth dropped. Her eyes bugged out and she gasped.

“Sarbi! You look stunning! You look perfect,” Claudia moved aside so she could peer in the mirror and Sarabi didn’t even recognise herself. It was a Lora tight-fitting, multiway red gown that accentuated her silhouette. She sported it with both straps coming straight down over her breasts and there was a small court train behind her. It was made of satin and shone in the light.

“Fuck! I do,” Sarabi marvelled at how extraordinary she looked.

“How are we doing for time?” Sarabi asked as the nerves started building up again. She was anxious to impress Alfred but was also scared about the other men and how they’d drool over her.

“Gala just started,” and just as Claudia answered, a large bout of laughter filled the house.

“There they are,” Sarabi put on her silver diamond high heels and her silver necklace with an eye-catching ruby in the centre. She also put on her matching earrings while Claudia put on her limited accessories. 

The two girls turned and looked at each other. They nodded which was a mutual sign of their readiness to steal the spotlight. 

They waited for a while, just doing small touch-ups here and there.

“It is now 7:14, in about 5 minutes or so I’ll text you to walk down. Good luck, you’ll rock it,” Claudia gave her a large hug before walking down to the party.

Sarabi could feel the nerves gradually build up as she stood there waiting for her text. She hated living to impress a man but this was the only reason she was there. She wanted Alfred to feel the same things she had been feeling for the past weeks. For Alfred, she made an exception. She was going to this gala for one thing and one thing only, to impress a man.

Just then she got a text from Claudia.

They’re ready. I requested this song by the way. Steal the show xx

Sarabi could hear Feeling Good by Michael Bublé start playing and she snickered. Claudia stood by the fact that walking to this song screamed power and Sarabi didn’t disagree.

Sarabi made her way to the staircase and peered around the corner. She could see a clear path from the top of the stairs of Wayne Manor to Claudia, Bruce and Alfred’s spot in the ballroom. 

Sarabi’s breath caught in her throat when her eyes spotted Alfred. He was dressed in a simple black and white suit with a red and black bow tie. Even though it was simple, he made it look like the most sophisticated and classy thing on the planet. 

She breathed out heavily and then harnessed all the sexual feelings she had for Alfred. She used these to fuel her confidence as she made her way to the top of the stairs. She leant into her right hip and looked around the ballroom with her head held high. She noticed the many men and women who turned to look at her. 

Sarabi’s skin glowed under the chandelier and the satin of her dress gleamed with it. She looked ethereal, like a Greek goddess but also dangerous, like a vampire or siren looking to capture the hearts and souls of men. She looked and walked like a seductress. But there was only one man on her mind and she locked eyes with him as she stalked down the stairs slowly, deliberately. 

Every man and woman in the room watched her make her way down the grand staircase. The song, her outfit, everything about her was exquisite, graceful and demanding. She commanded the attention of everybody in the room and those who were facing the other way felt the sudden urge to turn around as well. Each step she took, another head turned in her direction until every person was under her spell. Sarabi loved the power she had and enjoyed how each person was lost for words.

Alfred also couldn’t take his eyes off Sarabi and it seemed like he was caught in a whirlpool, not being able to pull himself out of her grasp. His jaw dropped as she looked at him with the same intensity. Alfred always found Sarabi beautiful, she was easily one of the most attractive women he had ever laid eyes on but tonight she blew all the competition out of the park. She looked powerful, dangerous and dominant. Alfred was hexed by her and trapped in her spell. She was a sweet siren singing a song in the water and he had followed her in and drowned. He had drowned in her beauty and had no complaints whatsoever. She held all the power over him and he let her take up all the room in his mind. 

Alfred felt nervous but excited as she strutted towards him slowly, knowing exactly what she did to him. Sarabi revelled in the power she had other Alfred at this moment. She could see the way he licked his lips and watched her intently with his deeply inquisitive brown eyes. 

“Sarbi, my God you look beautiful,” Bruce commented, handing her a champagne glass. 

“Thanks, Bruce. You look like shit,” Sarabi joked while taking a sip of the champagne.

“Just kidding, you look amazing as always,” Sarabi exaggerated her movements and Bruce scrunched up his nose mockingly. 

Sarabi looked at Alfred and watched his eyes look over her body carefully. He didn’t miss an inch of her, he took in every little bit. Sarabi had her intended effect as Alfred’s tongue tied itself into knots. He didn’t know what to say but when his eyes made their way back to Sarabi’s, she smirked and Alfred blushed lightly. ‘She caught me!’ Alfred thought as he panicked internally. 

“Miss Nichols, you look stunning,” Alfred was hypnotised by her very being and Sarabi smirked brightly but could feel her mouth go dry at his compliment.

“Thank you, Alfred. You look good yourself,” Sarabi commented, snatching all the breath from his lungs. Alfred nodded quickly before downing the rest of his drink.

“Thank you, Miss Nichols,” he croaked out quickly before grabbing another glass of champagne.

“Sarbi, you have taken the words from my mouth. Sarabi, the light of my life, fire of my loins,” Claudia quoted as Sarabi chuckled.

“Claudia, what the hell are you even saying?” Sarabi looked at Claudia but kept an eye on Alfred. He was still transfixed and trying to gain his urbane, charming persona again.

“It’s from the book I’m reading but you look hot as hell,” Claudia gave her the flattering remark as she also finished her drink. 

“Thanks, Claudia, you have set fire to my loins as well,” Sarabi laughed with Claudia at her misquote.

“I think you’ve set fire to a certain somebody’s loins,” Claudia observed as she whispered to Sarabi.

“Shut up,” Sarabi blushed at the thought of Alfred being turned on by her but she knew it had to be true. Nobody acts like Alfred just did if they weren’t turned on to some extent. 

“Ma’am, would you care to dance with me?” A man asked from behind Sarabi. She turned around and nearly choked on her champagne. It was some old, balding man with a beer gut. He wore a simple suit and reeked of way too much cologne. He wore even more than Bruce.

Sarabi looked back at Claudia for help. She had been at the gala for less than 5 minutes and the men in the building were already asking her to dance. Claudia gestured with her head and gave a small thumbs up. Sarabi cringed but turned back to the man with a smile. She looked Alfred’s way and noticed the way his jaw clenched.

“Of course,” Sarabi took his hand as he led her out to the dance floor.

While they danced he asked a million questions. He asked how old she was, what she did for a living, how she knew Bruce and so forth. He was the most boring man on the planet but Sarabi didn’t want to piss him off.

“Do you mind if I step in?” A younger man around Sarabi’s age questioned and the older man pulled Sarabi closer to him. This man was tall and skinny with pale skin. He wore a green suit with black gloves and a pair of thick-rimmed glasses. From the suit alone Sarabi could tell he was eccentric and would fit right with Claudia. He wasn’t bad looking, just not her type.

“Can’t you see we’re busy,” the older man stated and Sarabi pursed her lips in annoyance. This younger man noticed that and put a hand on the man’s shoulder.

“I think it’s time for the lady to move on,” the younger man was persistent and grabbed Sarabi’s waist and pulled her away.

“Fine, you can have her anyways,” the older man walked off defeated and Sarabi started dancing with the young man.

“Edward Nygma, and you are?” Edward asked with a kind smile.

“Sarabi Nichols, nice to meet you,” Sarabi thought the man was cute but her eyes were set on another man.

They danced around the floor and Edward kept his hand chastely on her waist, unlike the old man who tried countless times to move it lower. He seemed gentlemanly enough but something about those dark eyes said otherwise.

“You definitely know how to catch people’s attention, don’t you Sarabi?” Edward queried as Sarabi caught sight of Alfred. He looked mad in every way. His jaw was still clenched and he grasped his champagne glass so hard in his hand it might smash. ‘He’s jealous,’ Sarabi celebrated in her head as Alfred kept a stern eye on her and Edward.

“I clearly caught yours,” Sarabi commented quickly and Edward smirked at the snark response.

“I actually wanted to ask about your friend there in the gold dress,” Edward moved his head to the side and Sarabi smiled knowingly. 

“Ah yes, Claudia Flynn her name is, I think she’d like you too,” Sarabi was glad to set up Edward with her bestie but she wanted something from him too.

“Do you think you could introduce me?” Edward looked Claudia’s way and Sarabi watched his eyes glinted with lust.

“Most certainly but I need you to do something for me first,” Sarabi smiled as Claudia looked bored out of her mind.

“Within reason, what is it, Sarabi?” Edward was a much better dancer than the older man from before. He had at least some rhythm that Sarabi could easily keep up with. 

“There is a man in here I have my eyes on and I want you to help me-”

“Make him jealous? Easy,” Edward finished her sentence and Sarabi nodded.

“Are we in his eye-line?” Edward inquired and Sarabi gave him another nod.

“Move your hand lower,” Sarabi demanded and Edward complied, moving his hand close to her butt. Sarabi glanced at Alfred and if he were a cartoon steam would be blowing from his ears. Sarabi loved having the switch flipped for the night where he was the one having trouble controlling his feelings. 

“Move closer to me,” Sarabi pulled him in until their bodies were practically rubbing against each other. To an onlooker, they looked like they were having a very sensual moment and Alfred was one of them.

They danced like this for a while until Sarabi took it a step further by locking eyes with Alfred. While she looked in his eyes, she whispered something in Edward’s ear.

“It’s working, thank you,” Sarabi made it look much more sybaritic than it actually was, brushing her blood-red lips against his ear.

“No problem as long as I get to meet, Claudia,” Edward whispered back and Sarabi gave a light giggle.

“I’m guessing that was for him?” Edward asked, slightly confused.

“Yeah, I’m gonna pretend you’re saying something really funny,” Sarabi started laughing uproariously while a man started talking to Alfred. 

She watched gleefully as Alfred tried to keep his attention on the man he was talking to. Sarabi’s orbs locked with his and she let them do all the talking. She hoped that Alfred would get what she was trying to get across and from his loss of exasperation and now just desire, she was pretty sure he did. She looked away before she got trapped in their beauty.

“It worked, let me introduce you,” Sarabi grabbed his hand and led him over to Claudia who’s eyes bugged out.

“Claudia Flynn meet Edward Nygma, Edward meet Claudia,” Sarabi introduced the two and gave a wink to Claudia.

“I’ll let you guys get acquainted,” Sarabi added cheekily before letting them talk to each other.

Sarabi stepped away with a large grin. She hoped Claudia had some fun tonight. Sarabi then felt a light tap on her shoulder. She turned around to find Alfred standing there with his calm and collected charisma back. 

“Would you care to dance, Miss Nichols?” Alfred held his hand out for her and she took it gratefully.

“It would be my pleasure, Alfred,” Sarabi let Alfred lead her onto the dance floor. He pulled her in so quickly it stole the breath from her lungs. Their chests touched as Alfred placed his right hand dangerously low on her hip and held her right hand out to the side. Sarabi wrapped her left hand around his shoulder as they waltzed to the beautiful melody playing from the band. 

“You seemed mad before, Alfred, do you not like Mr Nygma?” Sarabi asked with the right amount of sarcasm to tease him.

“No I do not like Mr Nygma, he is not a good person. I don’t think he’d be very good for you,” Alfred responded staring directly into her eyes. The eye contact made Sarabi’s insides churn with desire. This desire directly manifested itself in her eyes for Alfred, and only Alfred, to see.

“And how do you know which boys are good for me?” Sarabi held the bait over his head hoping he would jump and take it. It was fun to tease Alfred and she wanted to see him crack.

“I know a lot of things, Miss Nichols, I am incredibly experienced,” Alfred whispered down into her ear, his breath trailing goosebumps down her neck.

“Is that so? Well, what was wrong with that handsome Edward Nygma boy?” Sarabi interrogated, hoping that Alfred would whisk her away to her bedroom and ruin her. The thought of Alfred defiling her as he did in her dreams made her core pulse with need. She was trying to regain control but was slowly being pulled towards Alfred’s magnetic force field.

“He used to work for Gotham P.D. as a forensic scientist before he got fired for hiding evidence. He served a small sentence and now is some sort of scientist. He’s suspicious and untrustworthy,” Alfred elucidated as he whisked her around the dance floor. 

“Well I thought he was quite charming,” Sarabi lied through her teeth. Edward was nice but not that charming, she just wanted to push Alfred’s buttons.

“Well you seemed a bit distracted and it wasn’t by his charm, was it?” Alfred spun Sarabi out and back into his chest. Sarabi nearly whimpered at the control Alfred was exerting over her but she kept it under wraps. His manhandling was exciting her more than she expected.

Just as she thought her body couldn’t heat up anymore, the music changed to a Latin beat.

“The tango, my favourite kind of dance,” Sarabi added with a hint of sultry before wrapping her leg around his and bending her back. She swung around until she came back up to meet his eyes, fired up with passion.

“I quite like tango as well, Miss Nichols, do you know how to do it properly?” Alfred squeezed her hip tighter as he moved them faster around the dance floor.

“I have taken some classes, though I heard it’s pretty hard, I didn’t do too badly,” Sarabi answered while Alfred spun her around with the expertise of a professional dancer.

“Have you done this before, Alfred?” Sarabi inquired curiously. She never took Alfred as the dancing type but by the way he moved, he must have some sort of background.

“Oh many times, Miss Nichols but I do have to admit I’m a bit rusty,” Alfred confessed while dancing so well that the other dancers started taking notice.

Alfred and Sarabi continued the sensual dancing they were doing. Their bodies moved with the perfect fluidity like they had done it many times before. Their bodies moulded together on the dance floor like they were made for each other. The dance was making Sarabi feel elated beyond compare. She was finally having a passionate moment with Alfred, even if they were just dancing. 

The music came to a stop, disappointing both Sarabi and Alfred. They both wanted this moment to last forever, having never shared something so hedonistic and lascivious. Alfred, being the gentleman he was, grabbed her hand and led her away from the crowd of men waiting to ask her to dance.

“Not too hard is it?” Alfred teased as he handed a champagne glass to Sarabi with a sly smirk. She took a sip and slowly and seductively wiped her lips clean. She watched as Alfred’s eyes flickered to her lips and a surge of yearning filled them. Sarabi knew what her next play was so she looked down to his crotch and slowly back to his eyes, making sure he saw her look. She moved closer and placed her lips next to his ear.

“Semi-hard I’d say,” Sarabi teased back with a lecherous wink before walking away, adding an extra sway to her hips. Which left Alfred in a puddle of confusion, frustration and lust.

<<CHAPTER 6<<  ~ ~ ~  >>CHAPTER 8>>

[mistaeq]

Hey there! I read some of your writing and I love it so much! I was wondering also if you could write some hcs of Avdol, Polnareff, P3 Joseph and P3 Dio with a stand user s/o who, unlike the average stand user, fights very gracefully and is a bit of a showoff? I'm sorry if this is confusing ^^;

Multiple Character Work: with a s/o who Fights Gracefully and is a Showoff

TW // DIO (??), death may be mentioned

Thank you for your request! This is not confusing, it's perfect ~ Also thank you so much for what you said about my writing, readers' opinions mean a lot to me ^_^ enjoy!

Muhammad Avdol, Jean Pierre Polnareff, Joseph Joestar and DIO with a stand user s/o who fights gracefully and is a showoff

WORD COUNT: 1.6k

MUHAMMAD AVDOL

The first time he actually sees you fighting, Avdol feels proud. Being a magician, he more or less had already understood or knew that you might have had this kind of attitude during fights. He doesn't really complain, though. With your beauty and the kind of stand you have, you can totally afford to do it.

He admits Magician's Red isn't exactly an example of something you would define graceful, and he's interested in asking you to show and teach him your ways. He doesn't want to be elegant or something, he'd only like his fighting skills to get smoother, because yours really are.

Over this, it's true that Avdol is a pretty protective boyfriend. Showing off your beauty and abilities is amazing and useful to threaten the enemy, but if you exaggerate you might get really hurt, this is why your beloved fortune teller always keeps a close look at you and at what surrounds you.

"I know you are strong and perfectly able to care about yourself, but I'll keep on worrying about your well-being and safeness. I love you, and I wouldn't let anything happen to you."

Avdol is known for his seriousness - different from boring strictness, I want to point out. The man is still a sweetheart. - and responsibility. This is why he struggles to keep this reputation up and not to look at you when you start showing your power off. It's a good thing to see the person he loves so much being confident and strong.

He knows how much you care about this topic, this is why after a fight, even if he looked like he wasn't paying attention to you, Avdol will reassure you about the fact that he instead did, he really did and couldn't do otherwise, and that you were absolutely awesome. Being so graceful yet so powerful scares enemies to death, and you do it absolutely perfectly.

He's not the kind of man who enjoys bragging, but Muhammad can't hide a bit of happiness, when you kiss him or romantically interact with him in front of the crusaders. You're probably a showoff even when it comes to loving him, making him understand that you probably are proud of dating him.

JEAN PIERRE POLNAREFF

The first time Jean Pierre sees you fighting, is probably the moment he finally realizes he fell hopelessly in love with you. He had already started to notice he felt different towards you, but when he witnesses your fighting skills, well, there's no going back for the feelings in his heart.

Polnareff is definitely not graceful, but being an experienced knight, Silver Chariot will often show its fighting skills off, its user claiming it's smoother than your own stand. This exposes Jean Pierre's true nature, lovestruck but still willing to show his own qualities off, like a competition. It wasn't a secret, that he's a showoff as much as you.

He will shamelessly stare at you during fights against enemy stand users, and try to imitate you and show himself off more. Polnareff doesn't even try to look as if he wasn't paying attention to you, getting often scolded and yelled at by the crusaders - mostly Avdol and Kakyoin - for his irresponsibility.

But during the fight against Dio, this changes. Avdol, Kakyoin and Joseph aren't there to watch your back, Jotaro is wounded and too blinded by his own rage to care about you. You're with your boyfriend, the only ones left are you, as you hear Polnareff's voice begging you not to move and not to try anything funny. You can tell he's scared, and as you've never seen him like that, it hurts.

Back to happy topics, Jean Pierre will never lose the chance to make you feel loved and appreciated. After every fight and even randomly during the day, you'll probably find him clinging to you, giving you kisses and showering you in compliments. It's not that he likes to brag about him being your boyfriend, but he does. Damn he does.

"I can't express what I saw... mon amour, you always leave me speechless. How could I be so lucky to be loved by such a beautiful creature? Oh, mon dieu..."

Instead of always competing with you on who's the most graceful or most beautiful, he'll sometime ask to make up some tactics which imply the two of you co-operating. Imagine how intimidating and wonderful would it be, if the two most beautiful and attractive crusaders united their powers! This is totally not an excuse to kiss you after you win!

JOSEPH JOESTAR

Joseph sees you fighting for the first time, and feels like his ideas on you are completely changing. He genuinely thought you were inexperienced, stands are a pretty new thing, and seeing you so confident and so able to control your power at the point that you can afford showing off your grace too, is a pleasant surprise. He feels pretty proud of you.

He really... doesn't get how someone can be graceful during a fight, honestly. Hermit Purple aside - he doesn't really expect a bunch of thorn covered purple vines to have a noticeable amount of grace -, he remembers the good hamon times, and the only thought of hamon being possibly graceful makes him laugh. But thinking about it... his mother was pretty graceful. You remind him of her.

"You know, when I met my mother... yes, it sounds weird to say like this. But she was a hamon master. And her grace... well, you remind me of her. And this means a lot to me."

Just like Avdol, Joseph would be anyway pretty worried for you almost anytime. Knowing your tendency to show off your skills and grace, he'll make sure you're always in Hermit Purple's action range, so he can catch you with his vines and help you nigerundayo with him if things go dangerously down.

For this same reason, just before the battle against Dio, he begs you not to lose control or do anything that might get you into trouble, if the vampire happens to kill him. You don't really wanna think about Joseph getting killed, but he manages to get a promise from you. Though he's not totally convinced about the fact that you'll keep your promise.

We all know Joseph Joestar is a licensed prankster. He once pulled a prank on you, telling you that your attitude was bothering them and that you had nothing to show off because your powers aren't that amazing as you think they are. He thought you would have got a little offended, but you care a lot about your appearance, and he found himself apologizing and cuddling with you because you were gonna cry.

Joseph enjoys PDA more than you can imagine, so if he's clingy to you, or if you always find him talking about how amazing you are, he's not trying to brag about how close you are, probably he's genuinely trying to express how happy he is. Though he doesn't really mind bragging in front of the crusaders sometimes...

DIO

The first time he sees you fighting, after giving you a stand, he's impressed, really. You just had that ability, you're probably scared and just recovered from a heavy arrow that was stuck in your chest, and still you're showing yourself off, gracefully moving around, almost bragging about your victory?

Let's say it, DIO is a great showoff himself. He's the kind of man who'd lose a lot of time bragging about his own powers before finally attacking. You enjoy doing this as much as he does, this is why he soon feels like you're made to be kept by his side. He doesn't send you after the crusaders, but keeps you in his mansion, along with Terence, Vanilla Ice, Kenny G., Nukesaku and Pet Shop.

He happened to stop time several times, during minor battles where he wanted to see you fight alone against enemies, to take a closer look to your body, in dynamic poses. You looked so focused, so strong, yet your grace was impressive even when you were still, and he could tell he wasn't lucky to have you only for your powers, but also for your beauty and majesty.

DIO plans on letting you fight - alone or by his side - against many enemies, but Jotaro isn't one of them. What? Is he joking? The greatest the enemy, the greatest the chance for you to shine! You will fight against Jotaro too, your man can't stop you. You two will probably argue about this. The only time he's showing his human side protecting you, you're refusing it.

He's not jealous. He's straight up possessive. DIO will make sure he praises you enough to keep you his, and gets kinda upset when other stand users in his mansion happen to see you fighting or training to improve your skills. He knows he fell for you watching you battling, and won't let it happen to anyone else. What the fuck, no. You're his love, people better remember it.

He asked you several times to randomly attack him during your days. He just wants to see if he's able to control Jonathan's body properly without it abandoning him. Despite this, he noticed - a pleasant surprise - that you lose all of your grace, when you attack him. Is it because you're afraid of hurting him and you're not giving the best of you? DIO is satisfied, seeing a so clear demonstration of your developing feelings.

"What is it? Are you holding back because you're afraid of hurting me, DIO? Give the best of you, pet. I won't abandon this world now that I found you, your Lord promises."

[brucewaynehastoomanykids]

Ideal Night

Request from @ravenfan1242 : "I would love a story where Superboy moves into the tower and Damian is struggling with his feelings for Raven. Con who flirts with everyone thinks Raven is absolutely beautiful but she has such an opposite (he might say frigid) personality. Until she helps him with something deep he struggles with and all of a sudden Damian has competition. And hilarity and make rivalry ensues. But Raven also has strong, hidden feelings for Damian."

_____________________________________

"Chin up, princess, or the crown slips." A voice purred above me.

I mentally groaned as I closed my book and looked up at the boy hovering over me. "You really are just so infuriating, Connor." I say plainly.

Connor only smirked. "Missing something?" He said, pointing next to me.

I looked down to see that my phone had been snatched from my side. I was surprised I hadn't noticed its absence, but then again, it's not like I was very attached to it, and I was a little too invested in my book.

I thought back to what Damian had told me just a few days ago after I had accidentally dumped into him in the hallway leading to my room: he had told me that, when I wanted to be, I wasn't very observant of my surroundings. I had thought he was just being bitter that I had bumped into him, but now I suppose he was right.

Oh, there I go again, thinking about Damian. I think I'm only now starting to fully come to the realization that I have feelings for him. Of course, I can't act on them, Damian obviously seems to feel the complete opposite with his judgemental remarks and slight glares in my direction. Though it will admit, there is something a little off with his inner emotions, like he's struggling to realize something. I try not to pry too much into people's emotions without their permission, but with him, it's sometimes unavoidable. His emotions and thoughts are simply too loud to ignore at times.

But even so, if I could act on my emotions, how would I even do it? I've never felt something like this before, and if I'm being honest, it's a little frightening, because part of me doesn't know how to handle it... which leads me to the question of should I even act on my emotions if that's the case? What if I do and I lose control? Ugh, enough of that now. Just see what Connor wants.

"Can you please explain to me why my phone is gone?" I asked with a cocked brow.

Connor let a small, devious smirk form across his lips as he held said cellular device up and waved it slightly. He leaned his body over the couch, wrapping his arms around me and holding my phone to my face.

"I was just gonna be like 'hey, can I take a picture of you,'" he unlocked my phone to a rather embarrassing photo of me from the day prior. I had fallen asleep reading, my head rested on my palm, mouth slightly ajar as my book seemed to slowly fall from my lap, "But I couldn't wake that cute little face of yours."

I raised an eyebrow once more. "And you couldn't have just taken this photo on your own phone because...?"

"I need a favor and I knew you wouldn't do it unless I blackmailed you." He pulled the phone away and set it in his pocket. "See, I got that picture set to post to social media with just the touch of a button. But if you do me a solid, beautiful, I'll give you both your phone and delete the picture."

Curse Garfield and Jaime for showing him how modern technology works. I couldn't just let this side, I should try to get out of this.

"Or I could just grab my phone from you and delete it myself."

"Ahh, see," he wiggled a finger in my face, "I knew you'd try something like that. Which is why I also have this on my own phone. The same phone that I actually don't have in the Tower at the moment for this particular reason."

I rolled my eyes. I was getting tired of his games. "If I do whatever you want will you please just leave me alone?" This earned me a goofy closed smile and a nod. I sighed. "Well, what is it?"

It was then Connor's face changed from its usual playful expression to a serious one. "I've been living with this nice couple, Jon and Martha Kent, for a while now..." he looked down at the ground, seeming a bit embarrassed of what he was about to say, "I wanted to let them know how thankful I was for them letting me in like I was their own son, so, I planned a dinner... and I, um..." he rubbed the back of his neck, "I kinda told them you were my date."

I sighed, holding the bridge of my nose between my fingers. Sure, I was shocked, but I also remembered who I was talking to, so it wasn't as large as a surprise.

"Why in the world would you tell them that?" I scolded.

"Because I think it should be true." Connor purred.

I rolled my eyes. "Pass. Post the photo if you'd like, and take my phone." I began to pick up my book and continue to read before a hand took it from me, I sent a glare in Connor's direction.

"Oh, come on, Rae, just pretend to be my date if you have to, please!" He pleaded.

I let out a sigh in defeat, seeing that it was obvious I wasn't going to get out of this any time soon. "Fine."

Connor's usual childish grin returned as he began to happily walk away, returning my book to me. "Great! Be ready by 6, babe!"

I cringed at the name, but I couldn't help but admit this dinner is a very kind and humble gesture to his semi-adoptive parents. I had never thought to see Connor this way, honestly. It was a nice side of him to see.

I grabbed my discarded book and began to resume my place in it when I heard the doors to the main area open again. This time, it was Damian, who had seemingly just finished his usual training session, judging by the sweat on his face and the water bottle in hand.

"Superboy seems to be somehow more unbearable than usual today," Damian commented once he had noticed my presence, "as I was leaving the training area, he had this stupid smile on his face as if he had just won all the wealth in the world."

Damian came and sat next to me as I chuckled slightly, setting my book aside, "Well, that's probably because of this stupid favor I'm forced to make for him."

Damian raised an eyebrow. "Favor?" His voice laced slightly with anger. I couldn't understand the reasoning behind the sudden temper, but I decided to ignore it.

"To make a semi-long story short, Connor wanted to have dinner with Jon and Martha Kent as a thank you for their kindness towards him this past year, and..." I let out a long sigh, "and I am his date."

Damian's eyes widened for a moment before returning to normal. I could feel his aura shift from it's usual state to something more mellow and... sad? Surely he wasn't actually upset by this, I must be going insane.

"I see," He said plainly, "I hope you enjoy yourself, then." His response came out slow and calculated, and it didn't match the emotion his inner self was feeling. Maybe he had forgotten I was an empath. Either way, my abilities have often made him out to be a bad liar, even though I rarely call him out on it to save the drama. I was about to ask him what was wrong when he walked away without a second glance, his body tense, and his head lowered.

~

The evening came and went. Jonathan and Martha Kent were two of the kindest souls I have ever laid eyes on, I couldn't help but smile in their presence. Though, it was strange to pretend to be interested in Connor, especially when the question 'is this your girlfriend' came up. But, I will admit, I enjoyed myself. I never thought I'd see the day I actually enjoy Connor's company as much as I had tonight, but I suppose even the impossible can happen.

We flew home in silence for a moment before Connor began to speak.

"So... that wasn't too bad, right?" He asked shyly.

I smiled. "No, no it wasn't, I really enjoyed myself."

He let out a breath. "Good, good. Remind me when we land I'll give..."

I looked next to me to see Connor was no longer flying beside me. He had stopped to look at the night sky. Dozens of stars danced and winced at the world below. This high above ground, you could see all the colors the stars had to share. Some green, some blue, white, yellow, and so on. It truly made the night sky a beautiful sight.

Connor let out another sigh. "This is just perfect, y'know? Is this Heaven? 'Cause it feels like Heaven."

I giggled playfully. "I suppose with me here it would make it more like Hell."

He let out a laugh. "Oh, so the 'daughter of darkness' does have a sense of humor. I'm shocked."

I rolled my eyes. "And it is a real shame nobody asked for that opinion." This earned us a shared laugh.

"Listen, Rae..." Connor's voice suddenly became serious, "before we actually head back, there's something I need to tell you..."

I turned my body to face him, giving him a worried expression. "What is it? Is something wrong?"

"No, no, nothing wrong per se, it's just... the real reason I made you come to this dinner was for you to see that I, um... well I actually have a bit of a crush on ya, babe. I-I mean, I know I flirt around and stuff but there's just somethin' about you..."

I huffed a smile, attempting to lighten his nervousness. "Crushing hard I see..."

"You have no idea... it's just weird, you see. 'Cause, and I mean no offense, honestly, but you're not usually my type to go for a serious relationship. Our personalities are obviously a little more than opposite, but that somehow makes my feelings stronger, I guess..."

I let out a laugh, "Trust me, I'm shy and antisocial at first, but I feel as though I do the stupidest things when I'm around someone I'm comfortable with, I just try to contain it as best as possible for... reasons..."

"In any case..." he grabbed my hand, "I just want it to be you and me against the world, babe. So, do you... maybe, wanna grab a coffee sometime? Y'know... have a real date?"

I let out a sigh, releasing his hand and flowing away from him slightly. "I would, but there are other factors in the way. The first one being... well, there's no easy way to say this without hurting your feelings... I have feelings for someone else."

"But let me ask you this beautiful: do you think you have a chance with me?" Connor looked at me with determined eyes.

"Honestly, Connor, with how you've been acting lately... I do see a relationship with you working... sure you can be annoying and flirty but looking past that side of you, you're very caring and sweet." I smiled.

"Well, then my advice to you is this, Rae: if you love two people at the same time, choose the second because if you really loved the first one, you wouldn't have fallen for the second."

I let out a small groan, putting my head between my hands. "That's the thing, Connor. While I am starting to develop some sort of feelings towards you... I don't necessarily love you. And this person... I definitely love..." I turned to face Connor once more, "I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression on that regard... but that's not the only factor. The factor of all factors... the reason I can't pursue a relationship with either of you, is who I am. My powers, while can be a blessing and a curse, are too powerful to not be handled with delicately. They are fueled by my emotions... and if I happen to feel too much--"

"Boom..." Connor finished sadly, "Look, I understand, Rae. It's just... are you doing this for the protection of me and this mystery guy, or for yourself? Is this something that you want to do? Because the way I see it, if you really love this guy, you'll make the sacrifice for him."

Connor reached into his pocket, pulled out my phone, and deleted the picture before returning it to me.

"Just... think about it, alright?" Connor said, beginning to fly away from me. "I'll meet you back at the tower..."

I watched as his figure disappeared from my eyesight before heading off myself. I felt guilty. I hurt Connor, I know I did, and I couldn't help but feel bad about it. He didn't deserve it... he just wants love, too... though, I couldn't help but wonder if he were right about me having to make the sacrifice for Damian. Though, I decided I shouldn't think about it now, and began focusing on making my way home.

~

When I had arrived back at the tower, it was late at night. Damian seemed to had just returned from his usual nightly patrol around Jump City. He was still in uniform, mask, and everything. He sat on the couch as if he were waiting on my arrival like an angered parent who just caught their child sneaking back into the house. Though, essentially, that was what I was doing. Still, it didn't explain his angered expression.

"What's the matter with you?" I asked quietly, afraid to wake anyone nearby.

"You and Kent seemed to be rather close this evening. Anything you care to share?" He raised an eyebrow through his mask.

"The better question is why the hell where are you stalking us? Wait, how did you even stalk us? Connor would've heard your heartbeat." I furrowed my eyes at him.

He matched my expression. "I kept my distance for that same reason."

His response only really ticked me off more, but I decided it would be better to keep my cool and answer his question. "No, Damian, I have nothing to share with you."

Silence filled the room for a moment before Damian seemed to finally snap.

"Why the hell would you go through with his nonsense, Raven?!" He yelled, standing from his seat and turning his whole body in my direction.

I remained blank-faced, nonetheless. "It's not like he would leave me alone until I agreed anyway, after all, it's people like him that deserve a high five with a chair... but maybe I just wanted to go with him, since when is that such a crime?"

"It is when you don't even like him!"

"Could you refrain from yelling, people are trying to sleep, you know."

"I'm not yelling, I'm discussing with you!"

"Yeah, with a loud voice. That means your yelling... oh, for the love of--just tell me what your problem is, Damian?" I said, putting a hand on my hip.

He lowered his tone. "Nothing's wrong."

"Obviously there is or else you wouldn't have followed us, and you wouldn't be freaking out the way you are."

He let out a loud groan, grabbing strains of hair between his fingers. He paced the room like this for a moment before dramatically bringing his hands down and yelling, "I really like you!" His eyes widened in what seemed to be shocked at himself and his own words then, "Um... I didn't mean to blurt it out like that."

I looked at him with my own sense of shock. "There's no way that's true, Damian." I awkwardly let out a laugh.

Damian sighed and walked up to me, his eyes softened. "No, no, it's true. I've loved you ever since I got to know you, I just hadn't fully realized or accepted it until recently--and even if you don't feel the same, I'm willing to accept that, too. But the truth is, I think about you all the time, and I have these feelings that I still don't quite understand about you, it's freaking annoying, to say the least."

I smirked. "Well, I'd hate to be such an annoyance to you, Damian."

He rolled his eyes. "You don't have to be sarcastic about it."

I shrugged. "It's recently kind of my thing."

He closed his eyes tight and sighed out a loud 'anyways' before opening his eyes back to their soft state. "I'm obviously not the person you want in your life... but you should know I'll still kill him if he hurts you."

"Yes, you are!" I assured him quickly before he could walk off. "When I was with Connor earlier, I admit, I had a good time, and I got the privilege to see a side of him I never see... but when he admitted his own feelings to me, I turned him down because I simply don't love him, but I do love you."

Damian smiled. It was then I realized how much his aura made sense. He was conflicted over his feelings, and now that he's not? It glows and shines again like nothing ever happened.

He closed his eyes and leaned. I panicked and backed away from him. "Which leads me to the next reason I turned him down... and will more likely be the reason I turn you down: my powers, my abilities... they're uncontrollable if I feel too much. I've been forced to live a life of mellowness all my life, and to suddenly change that now for love? An emotion I still don't quite understand? It's too risky... and I'd never forgive myself if I accidentally hurt you or anyone else with my own emotions."

"Raven," Damain came at me with a soft, reassuring tone, "you tell me you don't understand the feeling, but neither do I. We both need to figure things out for ourselves and who better to do it with than with ourselves. I don't know much about love, or romance, but I do know, from both watching Grayson and my own mother flaunt over my father, that it does demand sacrifices and risks."

It was then I had remembered what Connor told me before he left: "... are you doing this for the protection of me and this mystery guy, or for yourself?"

Both, I decided. I don't want either of them to get hurt because of me, but it's my own fears that cause this want to protect them. Fears of what could happen to me, and my team.

"Is this something that you want to do?"

No, absolutely not. I want to love, I want to feel love and to be in love.

"Because the way I see it, if you really love this guy, you'll make the sacrifice for him."

And so I will, Connor. Thank you.

I looked at Damian once more with a small smile creeping on my face. "Alright, Damian. Let's take a risk."

Damian smiled a rare, almost goofy smile. "Well, if that's the case, I should court you formally:" he cleared his throat, "Do you want to--I mean if you're not busy... go get lunch tomorrow? Or even just coffee this morning, if you want, or--"

I placed a hand over his mouth. "There's no need for courting, but your answer is still a yes," I removed my hand, "and I have a feeling we should kiss now."

And, of course, that's exactly what we did. A few household items began to float above their original place, but we didn't care. In the end, it was an ideal night.

_____________________________________

So I know that this was more Conrae than it was Damirae but whateves I really liked writing this one.

Also sorry for the late updates. For some reason, my Wattpad decided it just wasn't gonna let me write for a few days and I felt like it wasn't fair to post on here and not there. Anyways, just got it working again so we'll see how long this lasts I guess.🤷🏻‍♀️

[diyunho]

The Joker x Reader - “John Wick” Part 3

Y/N left The Organization 3 years ago for the one reason strong enough to make her settle down: love. But after tragedy crushed her to pieces, she decided to leave The Joker and seek refuge with an old friend and mentor - John Wick. Needless to say The King of Gotham can’t accept his wife running away without a word, especially since he didn’t have a chance to tell her things she might want to hear.

Part 1     Part 2

The Joker listens at the bedroom’s door, impatient to have a conversation with you. It seems you are engaged into a fervent phone call with Winston and figured he shouldn’t interrupt.

“Please, anything you can discover would be a great help! U-hum… U-hum… Thank you,” and you hang up, which queues your husband to walk into the room.

You completely ignore him, scrolling through the numerous text messages you sent to your connections; several are already answering back and hopefully you can get some news soon. The more people are involved into the project, the more chances to find Kase and untangle the mystery of what happened to him after he was removed from the car.

“You left me there,” The Joker sneaks in and closes the door behind him. “Luckily we had Wick with us so he gave me a ride.”

No reaction. He takes a deep breath, trying to get your awareness.

“I didn’t sleep with Evelyn; sex wasn’t the reason why I kept visiting her. I know how that asshole made it sound and he was totally out of line!”

You quickly glance at him, busy replying to Ares since you feel you’re going to explode soon.

“The only skill I was interested in is the fact that she is an excellent painter and a popular art smuggler, OK?” J raises his voice, sort of annoyed you neglect to participate into his monologue. “I did not cheat, alright?” he approaches his wife. “First of all: I’m VERY picky! Second of all: why would I want a woman everyone else had?! I don’t like used toys. Third: nobody’s been polishing my gun as you tastefully addressed the issue! I have one Queen and I married her!!”

A little bit of doubt in your eyes and he utilizes the opportunity.

“You said you saw me going to her house? I did! The Bowery King asked if it was for the last 6 months? Yeah, I did! You know why?!”

At least now The Joker got your attention: you play it cool but he guesses you’re torn apart by his confession.

Many unfortunate events crammed in lately and hating the man you love made life infinitely more unbearable.

“Why…?” you barely muster the strength to inquire and he sees it as a possibility to mend a few broken pieces; although you can hide your emotions well, J can still read between the lines.

Maybe that’s why he answers with another question:

“Do you realize there are just three Monet paintings in circulation on the black market in the entire world? You admire his work and it took a lot of effort and a substantial fortune to acquire The Water Lily Pond painting. Evelyn Black helped with the transaction, then I had her make some modifications to the original masterpiece.”

You keep staring at The King of Gotham, uncertain about the stuff being tossed your way: is he lying or telling the truth?... In your line of work translating feelings is a huge part of the job; ultimately you had the best mentor to teach you the ropes when you started with the organization: none other than the legendary Baba Yaga. Despite his reputation and to your own amazement, John was one of the few hitmen with integrity and perfectly mastered the aptitude of not being a jerk. Such a rare gem… And blissfully unaware of it himself.

On the opposite end, The Joker is a jerk and flawlessly acquainted with his own “captivating” personality that made you fall in love with him anyway.

Also, doesn’t appear to be deceitful for the moment.

And you despise yourself even more for wanting to believe him.

“What… modifications?...” you throw him a bone and J is definitely not going to pass on the alternative of explaining his actions.

“I wanted to surprise you so I took advantage of Miss Black’s capabilities in the art field; I had her add small images to the authentic canvas: an evolution of you being pregnant, the nine frames culminating with a tenth: the new mother holding our son. Similar to a timeline,” he emphasize and you look intrigued, which might be a positive sign. “Needless to say it was tedious, difficult work, especially because she had to apply special pigments you can’t find at every corner of the street. Apparently you can’t mix old paint with contemporary shades, thus I had to order aged, special colors from Italy, Spain and France. That’s why I went to her place so often: I had to supervise the long process and make sure it turns out astonishing. Then…” and The Joker pauses,”…Kase was gone and I didn’t know what to do with my gift: bring it home or not? Would you have loved it? Would it make you sadder? I continued to drive to Evelyn’s and glare at the stupid painting for hours, undecided on what to do…”

J watches you bite on your cheek, then straightens his shoulders as you utter the words:

“… … … You ruined a genuine Monet?”

Your spouse might be a smooth talker when needed, yet he’s not wasting his versatility on this statement:

“I didn’t ruin it; I made it better!”

Silence from both parties. A good or bad omen? Hard to decipher the riddle with two individuals tangled into a relationship that somehow worked despite countless peculiarities meant to keep them apart.

“I have to talk to Jonathan,” you finally mutter and The Joker steps in front of you.

“Talk to me!”

“Unless you know the exact location of the suitcase full of gold coins he’s been safekeeping for me, I really have to speak to him. Or do you want to hammer the whole basement searching for it?”

Y/N walks out of the bedroom and J lingers inside, evesdropping on the conversation happening downstairs. He can’t understand the chat, but you are probably notifying John about the details your husband left out.

Might as well join the party, therefore The Clown pops up in the living room with a plea impossible to refuse:

“Hey Wick, can I stay here? I don’t care if you say no, I’m not going to leave.”

Your friend crosses his arms on his chest, focusing on the random topic:

“How could I deny such a polite request? Of course you can stay Mister Joker; my house is your house.”

You’re watching the free show unamused; usually it would make you smile…now you lack the depth for such connotations.

“Don’t get smart with me, Wick!” J growls and Jonathan pushes for a tiny, unnecessary quarrel.

“I’m not; although generally speaking, I fancy considering myself a smart guy.”

The Joker opens his mouth and you’re not in the mood for whatever the heck they’re initiating:

“I’m going to pump, then after you dig out the suitcase I’ll take half to the Bowery King,” you announce your plans to them.

“You can do that and rest; I’ll deliver the coins,” John immediately offers. “I can stop by Aurelio’s car shop and ask for his collaboration: he has a lot of associates, doesn’t hurt to get him involved. You have plenty of gold.”

“I have two more suitcases in the Continental’s safe and two more at The Penthouse. It doesn’t matter if it’s all gone as long as I can find my son.”

“I know gold coins are preferred; don’t forget we have a lot of money too,” J reckons with spite.

Is he reminding you or Jonathan?...

*************

Your husband spent the last hour in the garden, talking and texting with a lot of people; needless to mention he’s capitalizing on his network also. Winston disclosed Stonneberg’s contract is still opened, meaning the son of a bitch is out there; you have to scoop him before anybody else does.

“Y/N…” The Joker tiptoes in your quarters. “I thought you were taking a nap,” he huffs when he sees you at the edge of the bed.

You glare at the vial on the nightstand, sharing your idea for a future you wish will come true:

“I didn’t have my medicine in two days; I won’t take it anymore because if we get Kase back… I will nurse him. It all goes in the milk and I want to be able to feed my baby… Do you think his little heart is still beating?...” you sniffle and J is currently debating on a clever response since his mind is blank; one could deduce messing up is encoded in his DNA, but on such a huge scale… well, it gives new interpretations to the term even for him.

The grieving woman seeking reassurance for their loss is trying to make sense of the pointless occurrences that lead to Kase being an innocent victim and The Joker can’t render clarification: he has no clue why he asked her to marry him and why she said yes, it’s not that he’s husband material or a family man. Perhaps Y/N thought he could be… just enough to get by, that’s why she accepted his proposal.

Most women would have cringed at the concept. Most women. Not Y/N.

Most women would have flinched at the notion of having his baby. Most women. Not his wife.

Above all, she trusted J with their son and he treated the three weeks old like a trinket: didn’t drive him home because he had an important meeting, didn’t bother to assign escorting cars nor extra security. The King of Gotham took his child’s safety lightly and it definitely had severe consequences. Too late now to fix past mistakes... but he can attempt.

“You’ll be able to nurse him, OK?” he sits by you and hands over his cell. “Can you enter your phone number in here? Or am I not allowed to have the present digits?”

You’re hesitant and he slides the screen while you hold the gadget.

“Lemme help you,” The Joker sarcastically mumbles. “It should be the first on my list, right where the old number you canceled was.”

You exhale and fulfill his demand out of pure frustration when he squeezes in a second innocent petition.

“Chose my avatar.”

You grunt at his rubbish, scrolling through his folders for a picture anyway; J hopes the largest file will get your attention and that’s the point. How could Y/N miss it?!

Entitled “Baby”, the humongous cluster of pics contains 5,723 items. You open it quite absorbed by its size; what’s more puzzling is the collection depicting Kase’s ultrasounds, hundreds of frames with you being pregnant taken without you knowing: there’s a few when your ankles were so swollen you had to sleep with your feet up on 4 pillows, others with you munching on strange food you craved, more with you in the shower focused on your bump, a decent amount of couple selfies when you were sleeping and J had to immortalize the moment without waking you up and approximately 1,500 images of the newborn.

“You didn’t gross me out when you were pregnant,” The Joker reminds a teary Y/N. “Not sure why you would believe such aberration...” he pulls you on his knees and yanks the phone away, tossing it on the nightstand. “I would also like to underline I didn’t have an affair with Miss Black, alright?”

J lifts your chin up, forcing to look at him.

“Let’s put it this way: why would I fuck around with another woman when I have a wife at home that wants to kill me on a regular basis, hm? Where would the fun be? I mean, she didn’t pull the trigger yet but it’s exciting to hope she might. You know me: I’m a sucker for thrills!”

“Do I?”

“Huh?” J steals a kiss and you frown at his sleekness.

“Know you?”

“Yeah,” the green haired Clown acts composed while in fact his feathers are ruffled. Before you catch onto it he has to ultimately admit: “I’m sorry I didn’t drive the car… I should have…”

The Joker holds in his breath when your arms go around his neck very tight.

“I’m suffocating…” he grumbles. “I can’t tell if you’re trying to hug me or choke me to death,” J keeps on caressing your hair, prepared to block your attack in case you’re actually in killing mode.

This is the excitement he was speaking about: with you, one could never know until it’s a done deal.

“I bumped into Magnus at the Continental,” you give him a bit of space to inhale much needed air and The Joker is surprised at your revelation. “I had no idea about his scheme, otherwise I would have skinned him alive right on the hotel grounds! I wouldn’t have cared about the consequences!”

“I’m glad you didn’t,” J cuts you off and he can tell you’re getting mad; maybe you think he doesn’t give a damn but the reason is simple. “You would’ve been declared excommunicado for murder on neutral ground and I don’t want my wife to be the target of such punishment from the company she so proudly retired from. I need my partner!”

The King of Gotham touches your forehead with his as you whisper:

“I hate you!”

“Mmm, regarding this true love affirmation, I’m gonna need you to take a break from detesting me until we have Kase, then you can despise me full throttle again. Deal?” he extends the palm of his hand and you reluctantly shake it, not realizing you’re reacting to his nonsense. “Is that a smile?” J returns the favor with one of his creepy silver grins.

“No.”

“Liar,” he pecks your lips and can’t explain the weird feeling in his heart when you kiss him back.

*************

Jonathan enters the house and becomes suspicious after a few minutes: too much silence.

Omg! Did you and The Joker engaged into a brawling that ended up badly? Did you end each other?!

John frantically runs to the garage, nervous to see your car and J’s are still parked inside. Shit!

“Y/N?” he shouts, concerned about your fate; The Joker’s… irrelevant. Nobody in the garden, patio is empty also. Downstairs is deserted thus he rushes upstairs to your room. The door is not completely shut and he slowly pushes it, knocking.

“Y/N? Can I come in?”

The first thing he notices are clothes scattered on the floor, then he halts his movement at the sight of Y/N and her husband dozing off on the bed sideways: the naked bodies are covered with a blanket, but he can tell you’re snuggled in J’s arms.

Jonathan steps backwards, guilty of invading his guests’ privacy; he certainly didn’t expect to intrude in such a manner and softly closes the door, grateful it’s not what he feared.  

You and The Joker are so worn out the sound of your phones vibrating on the nightstand doesn’t wake you from the deep sleep. Your numerous contacts keep replying back to the text messages, the most important one showing up on his cell: one of the people J reached to is Evelyn Black and the two sentence conversation lights up the screen.

“Let me know if you see Stonnenberg.”

“He’s here.”

 Also read: MASTERLIST

You can follow me on Ao3 and Wattpad under the same blog name: DiYunho.

[vanillacaramelhoney]

Misinterpretations

Pairing(s): Robin Buckley x Byers!Reader

Summary: A toxic/asshole friend, being in the closet, and having a crush never ends well.

Request: Robin X reader fic with the readers feelings being outed to robin and robin being shocked, which the reader misinterprets as rejection :) thank you!!

Warning(s): Homophobia, bullying I guess?

A/N: I apologize to anyone named Pam. I just needed a name and it was the first I could think of.

Requests are open!

Being a lesbian was hard.

There were too many pretty girls, homophobes existed, as well as asshole teenagers.

(Y/n) had one friend who claimed to be supportive- Pam. And yet, after she had come out to her, (Y/n) always found herself getting mocked for her interest in girls by Pam.

The f slur seemed to fly out of the girl's mouth whenever (Y/n) was around.

It quickly became evident to (Y/n) that her friend was not supportive.

And so, she found herself trapped- staying as Pam's friend in fear that if she cut the girl off, she'd retaliate by outing her.

(Y/n) could deal with Pam insulting her almost 24/7, but she could not handle the entire school.

So, yes, being a lesbian was hard for (Y/n).

Luckily, she had Robin.

Robin didn't know about (Y/n) being into girls; she was too scared to tell her after the way Pam had begun treating her.

It didn't help that (Y/n) had had a crush on Robin for a few years now.

Robin wasn't the first crush (Y/n) had on a girl, but she did try to deny her feelings for her. She just felt that the reason she must like her was because of how long they'd known each other.

Nearly two years later, though, she was still crushing over her.

But, now, (Y/n) was trying to find her books for her next class.

Pam was waiting next to her as she dug around.

"Did you lose them?" she asked, uninterested.

"How can I just lose an entire textbook?" (Y/n) replied.

"What's this about losing a textbook?" Robin asked, joining the two.

(Y/n) paused to smile as a greeting. "I can't find one of my textbooks."

She pulled her bag out and unzipped it to check inside.

Robin hummed as she watched.

"Oh, thank God," (Y/n) muttered, pulling the textbook out.

"Congratulations, you didn't lose it!" Robin joked. (Y/n) could feel heat rush to her face but tried to ignore it.

She cleared her throat as she zipped up her bag. "Hey, Robin. I was, uh, I was wondering if you wanted to hang out...later tonight?" (Y/n) asked nervously.

While the two were close, they didn't actually hang out that often outside of school.

Robin was going to answer when Pam groaned beside them. (Y/n) and Robin gave her confused looks as she turned to look at (Y/n) with a dead expression.

"God, would you just get over your dumb crush on her? It's not going to happen. You obviously make her uncomfortable by just existing, you freak," Pam hissed before walking off.

(Y/n) watched her in horror, her face red with embarrassment.

With a shaky breath, she looked over at Robin. She had a shocked expression as she looked at (Y/n).

She tried to speak several times, but nothing came out. Instead, she clamped her mouth shut.

(Y/n) looked down, ashamed, and grabbed her bag. She grabbed her remaining things from where they rested in her locker, slammed the door shut, and dashed for the school doors.

She didn't pay mind to the students that gave her strange looks, or the sound of Robin calling her name.

She swung her bag over her shoulder and quickly found her bike. She hopped on and rode off.

Where was she going to go? (Y/n) had no idea, as long as she wasn't near Robin. She'd probably go home.

(Y/n) shook her head as she pedaled frantically. 'She might go looking for me, and that would be her first stop,' she thought.

The only thing she could think of was going to see her mom, who surely wouldn't be too happy about her skipping school.

Still, (Y/n) found herself leaning her bike against the wall of Melvald's and heading inside.

To her luck, it seemed that no one else was there at the moment.

"(Y/n)?" She looked over to see her mother, Joyce, staring at her. "What are you doing here? You should be at school."

(Y/n) felt the anxiety of the situation come back. "I know, I just...I couldn't. I couldn't stay there," she whispered, her eyes stinging as it became hard to breathe.

"Hey, hey. It's alright, breathe," Joyce said, resting her hands on her daughter's arms. "Did something happen at school?"

(Y/n) managed to mutter Robin's name.

Joyce nodded. (Y/n) had told her about her crush on the girl shortly after she first came out to her.

"Did you... did you tell her? Did it not end well?" Joyce questioned.

"I d-didn't exactly tell her," (Y/n) stuttered. "It's more like everything was all outed to her without my permission."

"What?"

"One of my...friends... blurted it out in front of Robin. She also insulted me," (Y/n) muttered the last sentence, somewhat hoping that her mother wouldn't hear.

"What?!" Joyce nearly shouted. "Wha- who?!"

"Mom, calm down. It's fine. It doesn't matter," (Y/n) tried to convince her.

"Of course, it matters!" Joyce exclaimed. "That's your friend! She shouldn't be saying things about you that you want to be a secret!"

(Y/n) sighed. "Mom, I've already told you about her- she isn't what I'd call a friend," (Y/n) explained. Joyce got an idea of who it must've been and understood. "Can I please stay here for the rest of the day? I don't want to risk running into her, and something tells me she might swing by the house after school."

Joyce wasn't sure what to say. Getting an education was essential, and she didn't want her daughter missing out on it. But, she was also desperate not to go back for the day. Besides, there was only a little under an hour left.

"Alright," Joyce caved. (Y/n) gave her a soft 'thank you.' "Why don't you start working on any homework you've got?" (Y/n) nodded, glad that she had brought her things in the rush of leaving. It also meant she didn't have to worry about going back to get them.

~

(Y/n) found herself riding home on her mother's command several hours after school would have ended.

By that point, there was no way Robin would've been there.

As she rode into the driveway, she didn't see Robin's bike.

A wave of relief washed over (Y/n).

She hopped off her bike and left it by the porch before heading in.

"Hey!" Jonathan greeted her.

"Hey," (Y/n) responded. She quickly left to dump her back in her room before returning.

"By the way, Robin dropped by like, an hour ago looking for you," Jonathan told her.

"Oh?" (Y/n) felt herself getting anxious again.

"Yeah." He elaborated, "She brought your work from your last class saying you weren't there." He handed the work to (Y/n).

"Thanks for telling me," (Y/n) grew quiet "I'll have to thank her later."

"Everything alright?" he asked. "You look like you might throw up." (Y/n) felt it, too.

"I'm fine," she lied. "Uh, I'll be in my room."

Jonathan nodded, watching his sister leave in concern.

(Y/n) used her foot to close her door. It was left open a crack.

She looked over the work, rolling her eyes when she saw that it was the same material as before.

Figuring she had nothing better to do, (Y/n) got started on working.

~

With the next day here, came a lot of hiding and sneaking around.

(Y/n) was still trying to avoid Robin.

She was almost relieved that it was a Friday, only to realize that she'd have to hide all weekend.

During her last class of the day, (Y/n) was wondering if avoiding the girl was worth it.

So, she took her time when the bell rang.

She headed to her locker, gathered her things, and left- or tried to.

Before she could get more than a few feet, she found herself in an empty classroom.

(Y/n) finally came face to face with Robin.

"Listen, I know you've been avoiding me, but I really need to talk to you about what Pam said," Robin said.

(Y/n) shifted uncomfortably but made no moves to leave. Robin took that as a sign to continue speaking.

"I really should have spoken up as soon as I heard what she said, but I was just...so shocked," Robin explained. "I wasn't trying to make you think I didn't like you." (Y/n) raised a brow, a slight tilt to her head.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Robin smiled widely. "I have been in love with you for as long as I can remember," she laughed. "Deep down, I knew that the moment I met you, I was going to fall hard for you. And I did."

(Y/n) took a deep breath, her face getting hot.

"I wasn't shocked because I thought you were a freak that liked girls, I was shocked because you like me, too," Robin finished.

The two inched closer.

(Y/n) somehow lost the ability to speak at the moment, so she merely stared at Robin.

"Can I kiss you?" Robin whispered. (Y/n) gave a small nod.

When Robin leaned in, both of their eyes fluttered shut.

Their lips softly met. The kiss only lasted a few seconds, but it was still wonderful to finally experience.

When they pulled away, they smiled at each other.

"Y'know, when I imagined finally kissing you, I didn't think it'd be in a classroom," (Y/n) eventually spoke. Robin chuckled, her smile growing as she rested her forehead against (Y/n)'s shoulder.

"I'm just glad it happened."

"Me too."

[allfandomxreader]

The Interview

Pairings: Joe Keery x Reader Words: 2,146 sorry Request: I absolutely loved the Joe Keery x reader one you made. Could you do a similar one where joe is still dating Maika but somehow starts to fall for the reader? I love all your imagines, you’re so talented! xx Summary: You portray the new character Olivia Henderson in season three of Stranger Things. You and Joe go on a Jimmy Fallon interview together to talk about the recent season together. Part: 1/5 Warnings: Joe likes the reader but is dating Maika, so if you consider that cheating. A/N: I absolutely loved writing this, it's probably one of my favorite fics I’ve written, so I hope I did your request justice! I cut this into two parts because there’s just so much more I want to do with it. (Also I have no idea how interviews work so if this is really inaccurate, I’m so sorry.

Part 2  Part 3  Part 4  Part 5

Your foot bounces as nerves run through your leg. You watch the TV backstage as Jimmy tells jokes to his audience. You stand beside your co-star, Joe, preparing to walk in front of the boisterous crowd. Joe playfully bumps your shoulder with his own, a smile tugging at his lips. “Relax,” He maneuvers himself behind you and begins to rub your shoulders, Joe’s touch calmed you down immediately -much to your dismay. “You’re going to do great, okay?” He reassures, “And if you panic just know I’m right there next to you. Jimmy’s interviews are always the best, he makes you feel right at home. There’s nothing to be worried about, I promise.” You nod along with Joe’s words. You can do this, you’re Y/N Y/L/N.

“Without further ado, everybody, Joe Keery and Y/N Y/L/N from Stranger Things season three!” People in the audience screech as you step onto the stage to meet the host. You and Joe quickly shake hands with Jimmy and situate yourself onto the couch as Jimmy gets comfortable behind his desk. “Welcome, welcome!”

“Thank you so much for having us!” You gush towards the man and the crowd cheers, you wave slightly to the crowd as their voices die down. “Ah, I’m so nervous, this is my first night show, I feel like the pressure is on.” You mention, Jimmy lets out a loud laugh and the crowd mimics his actions.

“Well I am honored to be your first host,” Jimmy grins towards you before jumping right on into the interview, “So Stranger Things 3 aired on Netflix about a month ago, correct?” You and Joe nod to answer his question. “Y/N, you’re the newest member of the cast this season, would you mind telling us about your character and her background? I believe it was mentioned here and there but just to make sure everyone is familiar with you.”

“Of course!” You cheer, your nerves subside as you begin to speak, “My character was Olivia Henderson, she is Dustin’s cousin who lived in New York. Her father was re-marrying a woman  who Olivia wasn’t fond of and she just wanted to escape for the summer, so that’s how she ended up in Hawkins.” You explain the backstory of your character like the back of your hand.

“Your first scene as Olivia was really badass. You came into town on this really cool motorcycle -here I’ve got a little picture of it,” Jimmy pulls out a card off his desk to show the audience a picture of the blue and white Suzuki Katana motorcycle. “When you get to Dustin’s your wheels skidded and dirt was kicked up, how was filming this scene for you?” Jimmy questions.

“This was a surprisingly terrifying scene, it was the big reveal of my character so I had to make it look super cool. I’ve never driven a motorcycle or had the need to be a total badass so the scene was really stressful for me.” Jimmy nods along as you relive your first moments on set as Olivia.

“The first two seasons there was a small love triangle happening between Nancy, Steve, and Jonathan. This season, however, Olivia and Steve form a really strong romance,” Joe smiles at the beginning of Jimmy’s question, “In the show it’s obvious that the two of you have a really authentic connection, would you say that’s true as well off camera or is it all for the show?” Joe chuckles as he opens his mouth to answer.

“Y/N and I quickly became really good friends, and I would say by the second week of filming we were already best friends.” You nod along in agreement, “Originally, Olivia was supposed to fall for Billy Hargrove but when Matt and Ross saw how well we got along together they completely changed the whole thing.” Jimmy’s eyes widen in shock at Joe’s reveal.

“I believe that was a good call,” Joe and you glance at each other flashing cheesy smiles before listening to Jimmy’s next question. “The two of you had an episode basically all to yourselves called, The Disappearances. This is when you traveled to nearby cities to ask about the disappearances of more kids and you actually come head-to-head with a new villain in season three. Can you tell us a little bit about this?”

“That was probably my favorite week to shoot,” Joe admits sheepishly and you hum in agreement, “It becomes clear that these missing children are being taken to the Upside Down and Steve and Olivia just want to figure out how to save them. So, them being them they follow all the clues and find a way into the Upside Down once again. It was a really cool episode because it expanded the whole show even further than season two did. There were wicked effects and the Upside Down was even creepier and all around just really cool.” Joe explains.

“Yeah, I can agree with that. Besides all of the creepy stuff, it was also where Olivia really opens up to Steve and you get to know her more as a character and you begin to feel really feel connected to her.” You smile to your co-star as you expand his idea.

“The Disappearances is where Steve and Olivia’s feelings start to grow for one another, you can really tell the exact moments where Steve falls for her and vice versa.” Joe couldn’t tell if he was still talking about the characters or how he really felt towards you.

“The kissing scene in that episode was probably one of my favorite scenes of the three seasons. I’ll pull it up on the screen for the audience to see,” The room goes dark as you and Joe flash onto the large screen behind your seats, your attention averts from the host and onto the moving picture.

Your heart hammered in your chest as you screamed your lines to Joe, “Would you just thank me for being there and saving your ass? Without me, that thing would’ve killed you!”

“I knew what I was doing, Olivia. I’ve fought off that thing before and from the looks of it, I’ll do it again. I don’t need you to save me, I can save myself.” Joe strided towards you and stopped inches away from your face, his breathing is heavy due to his angry character. Joe’s eyes softened as they stared at the fake bruise from where Olivia hit her head. “You’re hurt,” He whispered, taking your head in his hands.

“Don’t worry about it.” You whimpered. Joe’s cologne wafted into your nose, your eyes flutter shut savoring the moment you know won’t happen off camera.

“What you did was stupid,” Joe admitted without yelling.

“Well next time, remind me to leave you there to die,” Joe’s lips were on yours almost as soon as the words tumbled out. He kissed you so hard it made you woozy, you never wanted to stop. He pulled away moments later, your eyes both searched one another’s.

“What was that for?” You whisper.

“Don’t ever make me worry about you like that again.”

The audience erupts with clapping as the scene comes to an end. Your cheeks burn witnessing the scene once again but this time next to Joe. You’ve made it your mission for him to never know how you felt towards him, the last thing you wanted was to get in the way of him and Maika.

“Wow,” Jimmy speaks as if he’s at a loss for words, “I just can’t get over the acting in that scene, as well as throughout the whole season from you, Y/N. You really brought an amazing personality to Olivia, it’s stellar.” Jimmy gushes making your cheeks grow even warmer.

“Thank you so much!” You beam, “I’ll have to agree with you, I think that was my favorite scene as well. It was just so surreal and full of unidentified feelings. Olivia thought she had proven herself to Steve and deserved to be thanked, while Steve just wanted to impress the girl he had been swooning over for awhile, and when it didn’t work out that way he discouraged which led to anger. Throughout that whole scene, the emotion just became so intense and the only thing that seemed right in the end was to kiss. I think it was a very special and raw moment Steve and Olivia shared together.” Joe’s heart flourished at your rambling, he wished that you felt that way about him and not just your characters. The crowd -and Jimmy included- clapped at your thoughtful take on the scene.

“While we’re on the topic of romance, Joe, we know you are still with the beautiful Maika Monroe, correct?” Jimmy averts the conversation to Joe as the clapping subsides.

“That is correct,” Joe glances at you a ping of sadness grows inside of him, being brought back to reality. He watches as your eyes find the floor and your smile falters. He’s spent so much time with you in the past year he knew every single one of your expressions, and this one wasn’t good.

“Y/N, how about you? Is there a lucky man out there?” You laugh at his question, awkwardness suddenly engulfing you.

“I’m currently not seeing anyone at the moment,” A loud cheer comes from a man in the audience causing the room to burst with laughter, “I will admit I’ve liked someone for a long time, but other than that my love life is pretty much non-existent.” You know you should’ve just left Jimmy’s question at just a simple ‘no’ but for whatever reason, your mouth kept moving.

Joe’s eyes fall to the ground just like yours did seconds before. He wasn’t fond of hearing you talk of another man, you’ve never mentioned this mystery guy in the months he’s known you. He was shocked that you admitted something on live television before you admitted it to him.

“Due to Olivia and Steve’s relationship, there’s been a whole bunch of memes going around on social media about you being the ‘mom of the party’. Have you seen any of these?” Jimmy asks.

“I have not,” Your eyebrows raise at the new information.

“Well, today is your lucky day!” You giggle at Jimmy’s excitement as he directs his attention back to the screen. A picture of all the kids hugging you flashes onto the screen as Jimmy reads the caption “Single dad, Steve Harrington finally brought home a woman worthy enough of his children’s approval.” You cackle along with the audience at the photo before Jimmy changes it to another one. “The best moms of Stranger Things 3,” A picture of Claudia Henderson, Karen Wheeler, You, and Mrs. Saintclair are in a collage, you chuckle as the screen goes dark once more.

“I can already tell, tonight I’m just going to google Olivia Henderson memes and stay up until three in the morning.” The audience laughs at your joke.

“Step up your game, I’ve been doing that for months now.” Joe playfully shoves your shoulder for the second time of the night as the crowd's laughter dies down.

“Well, I’ll bring our interview to a close with this last question. Did you get really close to anyone else on set besides your best friend Joe here?” Jimmy questions.

“I did! I hung out with Natalia a lot. We’d sometimes go out for brunch and on our off days we’d go explore and do really fun touristy stuff,” You explain with a smile. “I also got really close with Sadie and Millie, they’d come into my room after filming and complain about all the boys with me and we’d do really fun girlie stuff together like mani-pedis or makeup. We’d just have a really great time together.” You smile at the fond memories you had with your co-stars in the months prior.

“Watching Y/N get really close to everyone on set was wonderful. I knew she would have no problem fitting in but when we first met I could tell she was a little nervous and befriending everyone really made her blossom in a way and really be herself which was great to see.” Joe smiles fondly towards you and gives your hand a slight pat. Your skin tingles where he touched even after he removes his hand.

“That’s really great you guys,” Jimmy smiles one last time at the two of you before directing his attention to the people sitting in rows before you. “That is all the time we have for this interview, give it up one last time for Joe Keery and Y/N Y/L/N!” The crowd goes wild as you wave farewells to them as you exit the stage as a commercial break takes over Jimmy’s show.

[whateverhappenedpodcast]

VAs Announced!

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for. The moment of truth. Who got in? Who didn’t? Will Ollie finish the episode anytime soon? Will the mentioned sneak peek be out soon? 

Well all these and more will be answered! But first, I’d like to say thank you. The turn-out for auditions was huge, and I couldn’t be happier. So, if you didn’t get in, I really mean it when I say come to me any time and request a role, and I will probably have one for you.

For those just now joining us, these VAs are for Whatever Happened to Jonathan Green?, a fictional choose-your-own-adventure mystery podcast taking place at a summer camp.

Now, without waiting any longer, here are the VAs, starting with the mains!

Penny: Penny actually has TWO voice actors, and you’ll see why when the first episode comes out! These two are  @theoriginaleverythingtrash and @nerdamongnerds !

Debra: The LOVELY @m4n4-t ! Who also plays Elliot in Death at a Low Price. We’re blessed by her presence and her voice. You have no idea.

Gabriel: Is @doctorcecilgrahamlecter ! Another great audition. I was scared I wouldn’t find anyone for Gabriel, but of course this one came up and I was INSANELY pleased.

Jenny: Is @mattie-martinn ! Some of you may know her from the Rock and Riot animated short, or from Rover Red: Alone in the Apocalypse. We’re VERY happy to have her on board for this project.

Allie: Is @zeesaysrelax ! I absolutely adored this audition, so it’s a pleasure to have them on board as well! 

Henry: Is @rainingcheshirecats ! He plays Icarus in Death at a Low Price, and due to the fact that we didn’t have many a audition for Henry, was a godsend. 

Rio: Is played by @lone-kocity! Another Death at a Low Price VA, and got the part with a combination of ‘not many auditions for rio’ and ‘has a lovely lovely voice’!

Kelly: Is @finding-my-truth ! Again, really loved this audition- though I loved all the auditions so so much!!!

Ammon: Is played by another VA I use in basically everything I do, because he’s so GOSH DARN WONDERFUL you have NO IDEA. He’s also a theater kid of mine, so I know he does well ALL THE TIME. Anyway! Welcome to the crew, @tavr0ss !

? ? ?, or Liam as I’ve named them: Is played byyyy @luminous-nebula who it apparently won’t let me tag! I was stuck between two parts for them, before ultimately deciding on this one.

Jay: Is played by the also-lovely @johnpeter-remember-thesnowman ! Cam has tried out for basically everything I’ve done, and all their auditions have been a++.

Winnifred: While not on the audition sheet, this part was given to @martin-du-creff who it ALSO won’t let me tag for some reason. This is an example of ‘if I get over my social anxiety I’ll give you a part’. They were lovely in a previous audition for something else, and here we are.

When will work on the podcast start? Immediately. When will the sneak peak be out? As soon as possible. When will the first episode be out? Again, ASAP.

The public chat for EVERYONE wishing to take part in the mystery is https://discord.gg/Z2shRZK .

Voice Actors can message me for the other discord for the creators and the vas and such.

Have a lovely day!

-Ollie

[jonathanryder-blog]

Aah hello, I’m super excited to be joining you all and I can’t wait to start plotting with everyone. My name is Liv and I’m pretty much trash for everything about sci-fi, fantasy and pretty much any other genre you could throw at me. I’m English, I like tea, dogs, I’m 19 and currently at uni studying sports therapy (yay medicine). 

I tend to use skype more often for chatting and plotting mostly just because it messes up less than tumblr so if you want to add me there just ping my a message and I’ll give you my username but I’ll plot over tumblr too if that’s what you’d prefer. I’m very chill about everything so no need to rush replies. I also ramble a lot, like it’s kind of ridiculous how much I can ramble. Anyway, I’m just going to put some background about my sweet cinnamon child who tries to help all the people because he’s nice like that under the cut and if you’d like to plot please feel free to hmu. \O/

Jon was born and raised in Goldwater, he went to school here and even went on to study for his medical degree nearby. 

So for older residents or other people around his age they would likely have known him - he was pretty social as a child and always known around town as a good, kind and intelligent person who loved to help people out with pretty much everything and anything.

Like I mean literally loved helping people, it just seemed to be ingrained in him and don’t even get me started about his manners, Jonathan’s manners are the most refined things you’ll ever see. But don’t let that fool you just because he’s polite doesn’t mean he doesn’t like to have fun from time to time along with letting slip the odd sarcastic or passive-aggressive remark if he feels the need for it.

Anyway, it was no real surprise that he graduated as the top of his class and went on to do further study in ER based medicine to eventually qualify as a ER doctor and trauma surgeon. By the time he finished his studies Jon had spent almost 28 years of his life living, studying, working odd part-time jobs to help fund his education in Goldwater 

Finally feeling the need to break away and see some of the world he applied for Médecins Sans Frontières more commonly known as Doctors without Borders and ended up being trained and stationed out in various make-shift hospitals in various war-torn countries. He has been stationed in but not limited to: Iraq, Libya, Sri Lanka, Yeman and various regions of Africa.

Evolution:

It was during his first year of service with MSF that his life changed, whether it was for the better or worse he hasn’t really ever been able to decide. One day his base received word from survivors who managed to make the trip to their field hospital that a local terror group had raided their home village in an attempt to take on more recruits for their ranks leaving many behind injured in the wake of the raid. Deciding that they couldn’t leave this information unused Jonathan and his team geared up and hit the road as quickly as they could to get to the target location. Arriving to witness scenes of destruction and devastation they soon got to work; fixing injuries and helping shift rubble to rescue those trapped and at risk of being crushed. 

They worked for days and nights undeterred, but it was on their third day that things went from bad to worse. The group who had initially raided the village returned, and after discovering Jonathan and his team working to help the injured decided that this group of doctors and volunteers would be better off serving their own ranks of soldiers. 

Jonathan knew that he was stuck between a rock and a hard place but unlike his fellow team-mates swallowed his pride and did as he was ordered to do. He stitched wounds, stopped infections and treated all sorts of gruesome injuries knowing that if he refused he would simply be considered expendable -- a fact he learned the hard way after two of his co-workers refused to help and were immediately shot on the spot. 

He bided his time; doing his best to continue making himself useful and building trust with his captors until one day the opportunity finally presented itself to escape the cave system in which he was being held. He fled, with no real idea of where he was running he ended up deep inside the cave system, it was here that he discovered the crystal. 

To this day he can’t say why he was drawn to it just that he was, half-starved and delusional from dehydration he still isn’t sure whether he recalls the moments after finding that crystal accurately. All he does know is that after finding that crystal he experienced a bout of darkness and agonising pain and when he woke up managed to finally discover an exit, eventually leading to a road leading him back to civilisation.

Recent History:

Most would think that his experience would have deterred him from wanting to continue to work for MSF, but the complete opposite happened it only bolstered his wish to continue helping others in suffering. He took some time to recuperate before requesting to return to a different program and continue his work. It was here that he started to notice his evolution... 

All it took was a single touch to his patient’s skin and a bit of focus to be able to literally get their injuries to heal on the spot, confused but fascinated by these newfound abilities he started to experiment.

He became known as a miracle worker, with a track record for almost no deaths under his watch and in a way that’s exactly what he was. So long as he had physical connection with an individual he could heal them of almost any ailment they had. Of course miracles never come without a catch... This one? Whoever or whatever he healed, Jonathan will take on their wounds.

The severity of how much transference occurs is dependent on how long he spends in connection with a person, too long and the severity of the wound he ends up taking on can be severe and could become life-threatening. He tends to only use his abilities when they are direly needed to save a life, but every time he does it he has to ask himself. Is this person worth possibly dying for?

Jonathan spent six years working with MSF before finally deciding to return to Goldwater about two years ago where he took up a position in the emergency department as a ER doctor and trauma doctor. He has a record for being one of the best in the department but has by no means let this gone to his head. He’s known around town as a good guy but quiet and tends to keep to himself, but always willing to lend a hand if people need it.

The mutant outbreak and resulting violence disturbs him deeply, he doesn’t understand why people are persecuting people who have no control over their evolution and although he tries not to show his pro-mutant agenda finds it difficult to stand by silently whilst others suffer.

After all, he has a duty to preserve all life. Why should his own kind be any different?

[harttohartforever-blog]

Cross My Hart

Jensen sat in the outer office waiting nervously for Deanne to allow him into the inner sanctum. He dreaded having to tell Jonathan what happened but he couldn't think of a way out of this mess on his own and he was running out of time. He still couldn't believe he had allowed himself to be caught like this. Even Jonathan's famous patience would be tried, he would probably fire Jensen. And he would be perfectly justified in doing so.

 "You can go in, Mr. Bryant." Well, time to face the music. He only hoped Jonathan could figure out a solution. He hesitated in front of the big double doors to take a deep breath and square his shoulders before he pushed one open.

 "Jensen. Welcome back. How was China?" Jonathan crossed the office with a big smile and an extended hand.

 "Can we talk, Jonathan?" No sense delaying the inevitable. The only thing he could do now was to try and salvage the situation before things got any worse.

  Jensen Bryant sat in the smoky jazz club with Ming Yue, listening to bad Miles Davis and Charlie Parker covers. The team had signed a deal today that would make Hart Telecomm the second-largest mobile internet provider in the country, behind only Huawei Technologies. After the formalities were done they had all gone out to celebrate with multiple rounds of baijui, a particularly strong drink similar to vodka. One by one the team members had drifted away until now only Jensen and Ming Yue were left.

 Jensen would have left as well but it didn't feel right to leave Ming here alone. Plus, he was rather more intoxicated than he had intended to get, that baijui was sneakily lethal. Ming Yue was a charming companion, flattering and intelligent, as well as beautiful. Looking back on it later, Jensen supposed he should have seen what was happening. But at the time, through the haze of alcohol, it had seemed like a good idea to move the party back to his hotel room.

 The next morning, when the warm glow of the liquor was gone, he looked at the woman asleep beside him and knew he had made a huge mistake. Angie would never forgive him. He had never been unfaithful before. He really did love Angie and this would destroy her. She would never trust him on the road again, and he couldn't do his job if he couldn't travel.

 The first photo had arrived in his email two days later. By the time he left for the states, he had received three more emails, including a threat to take them public unless Hart Telecomm pulled out of China entirely. The first three pictures were only damaging to him personally. The fourth looked innocent by comparison, it was just a picture of him sitting in the club with Ming, but attached to it was documentation identifying her as a high ranking employee of China Unicom. An affair was one thing. An affair with a VP of their chief competitor looked like collusion. If it leaked out investors would lose confidence and Hart Industries stock could be in free fall.

 "What are you going to do about it?" Jonathan was saying now.

 "I don't understand. What do you mean?" Jensen asked, puzzled.

 "You made a mistake. How do you propose to fix it?"

 "I must be dense, I'm still not understanding. I don't know how to save the company's reputation. That's why I'm here. If I knew how to make this go away don't you think I would have just done it?"

 "I'm not talking about the deal. Deals are easy. You have to tell Angie the truth. Secrets are the Jack Kevorkian of marriage."

 "She's not gonna forgive me, Jonathan." He responded glumly. "And I don't blame her. I really dicked up this time. It never would have happened if I hadn't had too much to drink."

 "Stop that right now," Jonathan ordered his friend. "Don't make excuses. You screwed up. You own it, you fix it, and you move on. Now, you go home and make it right with Angie. Let me worry about the merger." Jensen nodded without speaking and left the office. As soon as the heavy door closed Jonathan was on the phone to Abe Solomon. He used his cell phone instead of having Deanne place the call in order to keep the information compartmentalized for as long as possible.

"Abe, I need you to look into these threats quietly. Are they coming from China Unicom or someone outside? Or even from the Chinese government? They still have a stranglehold on how much of the internet they allow but this merger would certainly make it easier for the citizens to gain access to outside information. Call me back on this line or, if you need to fax, use my home fax number would you."

 Abe had been with Hart Industries almost from the beginning and there were very few people Jonathan trusted more. He was an investigator for the European offices for more than a decade but had been based in Los Angeles ever since he requested a stateside move to be near his granddaughter at UCLA. Abbie was his namesake and favorite grandchild, and her mother worried about her being so far from the rest of the family in Connecticut. Most of his work was done by computer these days anyway.

 Jonathan's second call was to his corporate attorney, and one of the chief architects of the merger, Lou Phillips. If anyone could figure out a way to keep the deal viable it would be Lou. He laid the basic details out for the lawyer and asked for options.

 "Look, Jonathan, this deal has been rock solid up to now. The most likely culprit is Huawei because they potentially stand to lose the most if the merger goes through. Hart Telecomm would be in a strong second place and certainly in a position to knock them out of the number one spot given the financial club Hart Industries brings to bear. But I wouldn't discount the Chinese government either. With all the trouble in Taiwan recently Xi Jinping has been cracking down hard on what he considers 'foreign interference'."

 "Dig into it, Lou. Abe is working it from his end. But I would like to minimize how far this spreads as much as possible. Jensen made a mistake but that doesn't mean that Angie should be the subject of the company gossip mill." Finally, Jonathan's last call was to the person he trusted most.

 "Darling, I hope your day is going smoother than mine. Would you happen to be free for lunch?" Just the sound of her voice went a long way toward improving his mood. "That would be wonderful. Chasen's at one? I'll see you then, Darling. I love you."

 Lunches with Jennifer were the highlights of his week. They tried to schedule them at least once a week, thankful that they had enough flexibility in their schedules to allow it. They were both committed to making their marriage the priority so they tried every week to have one day that work started late, and one day that ended early, in addition to a lunch date. It didn't always work but they tried very hard to honor it.

 Jennifer knew she needed to call Angie. She trusted Jonathan implicitly but that had not been true of some boyfriends past. She understood the pain of being cheated on and firmly believed that someone who has been through a difficulty has a moral obligation to offer support to others facing the same issues. She also knew that Angie would not welcome knowing that her pain could soon be public knowledge, she would need some time to process her emotions.

 After some deliberation, she went down to the wine cellar and selected an especially delicious Clarendon Hills Shiraz. She attached a note that read 'call when you feel like drinking this' and included her private cell number. Then she boxed it up neatly and called a messenger service to deliver it to the Bryant home. She only hoped Angie would trust her and call.

 Jonathan returned home that evening to find a distraught Jensen in his study. Jennifer told him the man had shown up about an hour earlier and wouldn't talk to anyone but him.

 "You'd better tell Max to hold supper for a bit," Jonathan told her with a kiss on her cheek. "Go ahead and eat without me if you want to, Darling. I don't know how long this might take." He smiled when Jennifer handed him a tray with a bucket of ice, two glasses, and a bottle of bourbon.

 "She threw me out, Jonathan. What am I going to do? I'd give anything to take it back." Jensen looked terrible and Jonathan immediately felt for him. He knew how he would feel if he ever lost Jennifer, especially if he caused the split. He poured them each a small shot of bourbon and sat down opposite Jensen.

 "What happened, Jensen? You and Angie always seemed solid. But something must have happened. Otherwise, you wouldn't have strayed, drunk or not."

 "It was the baby, it was my working too much, it was everything and nothing. I never doubted how much she loved me or how much I love her, but at some point, a really good night's sleep took the place of connecting with each other. It's like we were still walking side by side but never taking the time to look at each other. I miss her, Jonathan. I missed her even before this happened. I don't know how to get her back."

 "That's because you can't get her back," Jonathan told him bluntly. "You can't control her behavior. All you can do is create an environment that she will hopefully want to come back to."

 "I want what you and Jennifer have. Your marriage is fireproof. How do I do that?"

 "Marriage is only fireproof if you work to make it so. I knew I was in love with Jennifer within the first half-hour of knowing her. But 'in love' wasn't the same thing as loving her. And it's definitely not the same as being married to her. In love is easy, marriage takes constant work. How long has it been since you told Angie you loved her?"

 "I tell her every night."

 "Jensen, she needs to hear it somewhere other than the night. You saying it every night is habit. If you ask me when was the last time I said I love you to Jennifer, I would have to think about it. Because it's not on a schedule. But I can guarantee you it was today because 'I' feel the lack if I don't say it. Because she is oxygen, she is my food and water, she is necessary.

 "If I lost every nickel I have, every business and building with my name on it, but I still had Jennifer I would still count myself the richest man on earth. But if I lost her, none of the rest of this would mean anything. That is what Angie wants to feel from you. She needs to be needed. Not just wanted. Needed."

 "I kind of thought you would commiserate with me a little first, Jonathan," Jensen spoke wryly. He knew he needed to hear what Jonathan was saying. But still, it was a bitter pill to swallow, realizing that he had failed Angie long before he cheated on her.

 "You want commiseration or do you want to try to save your marriage? You need to be her safe place when she needs to cry. You need to know her every thought, her every dream. You have to let her hold you so you can learn how she needs to be touched.

 "But before you can do any of that, you need to serve her. You kicked her world out from under her and made everything about her life a hundred times more difficult. If you want to rebuild that bridge then you need to make things easier for her now."

 "I'll do anything."

 "Then tomorrow you go to her and you ask her what you can do to make her day easier. Not her life, just her day. Start small. And whatever she asks of you, no matter how menial or stupid you think it might be, you do it. Willingly, cheerfully even. Show her she can trust you with small things so she will see she can trust you with big ones again.

 "And, Jensen. I don't want to see you at work until you've resolved it. You give her as much time as she needs and your job will be there. Tonight you can stay in the guest house."

 "Thank you, Jonathan. You've been a good friend. And a good boss." Jensen stood up and shook Jonathan's hand then walked out of the room, leaving his drink untouched on the table.

 In the kitchen, Jennifer watched as Jensen made his way across the driveway to disappear into the guest house. Earlier he had seemed a man defeated, but now he walked with his shoulders squared. There was renewed purpose in his stride and she knew Jonathan had found the words Jensen needed to hear. She felt him step up behind her and his arms wrap around her. She leaned back into his embrace, secure as always in the strength and shelter of his love.

 "Would you like me to fix you a plate, Darling?" She asked him now.

 "What I would really like is to take you upstairs. Did you eat?"

 "No, I was waiting for you. But I'm fine, I would rather be with you right now." She turned to face him and lead him up the staircase to their room.

 "I should lock up."

 "Max will lock up when he sees we are gone. Come to bed. I've been missing you tonight."

 "Darling," he stopped on the stairs and turned to face her, to look directly into her eyes. "I love you. I never want you to go a minute without knowing that. It's too easy to lose sight of it in the day to day noise. "

 "Jonathan, I have never known anything less than your complete devotion to me, and to our marriage. You show me every day how much you value it. How much you value me. Do you remember on our honeymoon, when you told me that you had transferred ten million dollars to a Swiss account in my name alone 'just in case'? I thought you were crazy, or that maybe it was meant to be like a settlement if our marriage didn't last. But then I figured out that you were actually making me an equal partner in your life. And what holds us together isn't familiarity, or money, or even vows. What keeps us together is the strength of our love for each other. As long as we remember that then nothing can ever come between us. Which is really just my long-winded writer's way of saying 'I love you too'."

 Their kiss was soft and tender and very, very slow. It felt, in many ways, like the kiss they had shared that day in the chapel when the Reverend had declared them man and wife. But there was so much more between them now. Their shared history, the adventures and dangers they had faced together, the thousands of times they had made love over the past twelve years. All of it was there in their kiss. And the heat was there too, still banked but ready to ignite and consume them again.

 It was always like this between them. It had been this way from the first night they spent together and Jonathan hoped it would continue until their bones were too brittle to risk contact. Even then he suspected she would be worth risking multiple fractures for.

 Jonathan followed her up the stairs, through their bedroom, and into her dressing room. Her tri-paneled mirror reflecting them both back hundreds of times as they slowly undressed each other. Jonathan loved to see her in elegant vintage negligees, loved the texture of the soft furs and feathers trimming them when he touched her. Tonight he chose a gown of morning glory blue the exact shade of his eyes. It was a deceptively simple style, with short puffed sleeves and a scooped drawstring neckline that closed a very deep vee between her breasts. The alternating bands of thin cotton gauze and feminine lace elevated the ordinary fabric into something altogether lovely.

 He slipped on a pair of lounge pants of the same blue cotton. Sometimes they laughed together over the idea of putting on nightclothes that would likely be abandoned on the floor within minutes, but half the fun was in undressing each other in bed. The touching, stroking each other, fingers seeking out the edges of their clothes. Teasing forays past hems to find warm skin, only to retreat seconds later then advance again.

 Jennifer used gardenia scented paper to line the drawers of her lingerie chest so the faint floral perfume clung to her clothes. Even when Jonathan was a very old man he would smell the scent of gardenias and be instantly transported back in his memory to these long pleasure-soaked nights with her.

 Her fingernails scratched lightly at his chest hair. She had a way of touching him that could seem perfectly ordinary and innocent but somehow drove him crazy with desire. He had yet to figure out how she did it. But then, trying was so very pleasurable. Now her hands moved down his chest in small increments. She started near his shoulders, nails dragging across his skin, dipping down into the thick mat of hair then back up again. Every so often one nail would skip lightly over his nipple as if by accident, causing a sharply indrawn breath and a jolt of pleasure to streak through him.

 He was achingly hard and desperate for her before she had progressed even a third of the way down his chest, her knees on either side of his hips making him crazy. She was so near that he could feel the ghost-touches of her skin brushing against his straining shaft but all he could do was stroke her hips and wait helplessly for her to move over him.

 Jennifer loved the feeling of being astride him. So often, it was the other way around, his weight so familiar across her body, and the friction of him moving within her. But when she knelt over him, when she took control of both their satisfaction, it was different somehow. The feeling was more primal, she felt like an amazonian warrior-goddess. From above it was easier to see his face. To watch the play of emotions, from desire, to need, to fulfillment, Right now his look was bordering on desperation as she rocked her hips enough to brush against him very lightly several times in succession.

 The sheer curtains fluttered in the late evening breeze, carrying the scent from the lilac bushes along the fence up to their room, but they were too wrapped up in each other to notice. Jennifer had, at last, moved to take him inside her. But his need was only heightened by the delicious resistance. With every movement, her muscles tightened on him, holding him within the sweetest of prisons. It was a confinement he never wanted to leave and his heart pounded so hard that she could see it's movement on his skin. His hands gripped her hips almost painfully. Tomorrow she would wear the marks of his passion proudly on her pale skin, even though he would exclaim over the faint bruises and avoid holding her hips again for several days.

 She loved that she was able to drive him to the same dizzying heights he always brought her to. Loved to hear the same cries she heard from herself, coming from him. Sounds beyond words, sounds of hunger and passion that filled the longings in them both. He poured himself into her with a harsh cry that sent her tumbling over the precipice into her own release.

 Exhausted, she collapsed onto his chest, breathing heavily. He smoothed his hands up and down her back, the slight sheen of sweat that covered them both drying in the lilac scented breeze. The night was warm but he still felt her shiver on top of him so he groped blindly for the blanket to wrap around her. Even in her drowsy satisfied state, she burrowed closer to him, laying her head under his chin and sighing with contentment.

  Chapter Two

"Jonathan? So it looks like it is Huawei Tech. They are worried about Hart Telecomm having a foothold in China. There is some whispering that Huawei may have accepted a sweetheart deal with the government to make sure Chinese telecommunications remain firmly in Chinese hands." Lou Phillips spoke seriously, well aware of what pushback from the government at this late date meant. So did Jonathan.

 "Should we cancel the deal altogether? I don't want to throw good money after bad if Xi is going to stall our permits and licenses." It had taken millions of dollars, both Hart Industries' and Jonathan's personal funds, in under the table payments just to secure the rights to operate in China. Famously not welcoming to foreign business interests, it now appeared as though Xi Jinping had decided to scoop up as much money as he could and then freeze them out by denying them the paperwork they would need to actually move forward.

 Fortunately, they hadn't broken ground on the new facilities yet. The land itself would be a tax write-off until it became profitable to sell. Hart Industries stockholders would take a small hit but the parent company was large enough that they could absorb the loss. Jonathan had known that trying to break into the communist-controlled market was a risky move. His instincts were not often wrong but he never wagered more than they could afford to lose.

 It was precisely this reason that he had opened the Swiss account for Jennifer a dozen years ago. One that he added to every year, currently it was worth was well over a hundred million dollars. If anything happened to him Jennifer would still be a very wealthy woman, and if anything happened to his fortune they had a safety net that would never be at risk. He had also provided generously for her in his will of course, but this debacle with Huawei was a perfect example of how quickly things could shift. To his mind, the Swiss account was inviolate. It was Jennifer's safety net and he would never take a single dollar out of it.

 As soon as he hung up with Lou, Jonathan called Abe Solomon, but he had not been able to make any headway on tracing the emails back yet. Jennifer was still asleep when he slipped out of bed and stepped into the shower but by the time he started to dry off he could her voice from the bedroom.

 "Of course Angie. Whatever you need, we are here for you." There was a brief pause before she continued. "Would you rather come here? There's plenty more wine in the cellar." Jonathan could hear her soft laughter. "We could always break out the tequila shots. No, I understand completely. Yes, and I'll have Max prep some lemon wedges just in case." She laughed again and hung up the phone.

 "Darling, Angie and I are going to have lunch here this afternoon. Would you mind sort of making yourself scarce for a couple of hours? I think she needs a little girl talk."

 "I know that kind of girl talk. It's usually lubricated by several bottles of wine." He smiled at her. "The Shiraz was a nice touch Darling, but may I suggest the Chateau de Parnay Chenin Blanc. I just put a case in the cellar. I think you will like it, it's very light with a zesty spice finish. And of course, I can stay clear, Darling. I think Angie needs you more than I do right now. You can assure her that Abe is doing everything possible to make certain that the photos will never see the light of day."

 "Thank you, Darling. You always know what to say." Jennifer went to take her shower. Jonathan loved this particular time of day. He usually left before she showered, frequently before she even got up, so he didn't often get to see her in the shower. A couple of years ago when they remodeled their bathroom they replaced the frosted glass shower doors with clear ones. Now he could stand at his mirror and watch her bathing while he shaved. Of all of the beautiful views around the house, this was his absolute favorite.

 "Angie, I'm so glad you came. I've asked Max to serve lunch in my office so we can have privacy." Jennifer ushered her friend into a room Angie hadn't even noticed during previous visits. The hallway that opened up behind the front staircase was easy to overlook. It led to a large suite that had been a pair of bedrooms with a jack-and-jill bathroom and a sitting room. During the remodel, they had opened it up into one large space and a powder room.

 Jennifer had claimed this for her own, finally moving her cherrywood desk out of the living room alcove. Compared to the masculine feeling of much of the house with its wood paneling and heavy furniture, she decorated her office with light colors and casual pieces. She and Jonathan had found a beautiful antique Aubusson rug in pale pinks and creams at a street market in Paris and she decorated the room around it. Everything was old and a bit battered, but it was a calm, pleasant space to work or rest in.

 She and Angie sat back in the pink club chairs flanking one side of the carved fireplace with its chippy white paint and winged cherubs on the sides that they had found at that same street market. Two glasses of white wine rested on the small coffee table, the bottle resting in a bucket of ice beside them.

 "Thank you for the invitation, Jennifer. I don't think I could face the attention that comes with eating in public with you. I love you but you do attract a lot of attention and press.

 "I don't know what to do. I know he loves me, I just don't know if I can get past this. I feel so betrayed. How am I supposed to trust him again?" Angie was distraught, the most recent of a number of tissues balled up in her fist. "Oh Jennifer, I want to take him back but I don't know if I can."

 "Angie, I don't want to pry, but I'm your friend and I'd like to help if I can. About a year before I met Jonathan I was dating a man called Elliott who cheated on me, so I can understand a little bit of what you are going through."

 "What did you do?"

 "Well, it wasn't exactly the same situation. I found out that Elliott had cheated on me numerous times and I had no faith that he intended to stop. I know that Jensen truly regrets what he did and will never allow himself to be in a situation like that again. Plus, we weren't married. You have a child to think about. And I'm sure my goddaughter would prefer to have her mother and father stay together if possible." Jennifer smiled at the memory of Aislynn's christening when she held the baby for the sacrament. The look of surprise on her tiny face when the priest traced the sign of the cross on her forehead and sprinkled her with holy water was adorable and Jennifer was quick to wipe her off before she could begin to cry.

 "So you think I should take him back?"

 "I think you should forgive him. For your own peace of mind. Whether you take him back or not you will feel better if you can find a way to forgive him. And I'm sure it will be better for Aislynn if her parents aren't at war with each other." Jennifer spoke kindly but with conviction. She couldn't bear to see any of her friends hurting and she was especially invested in the Bryant family since they had asked her to stand as Aislynn's Godmother.

 "He showed up at the house this morning, he said that Jonathan told him not to come back to work until he made things right with me so that's what he intended to do. He asked me how he could make my day easier. Jennifer, he even knocked on the door instead of just walking in, like he was trying to respect my space. I didn't know how to respond. Finally, I asked him to stay with Aislynn all day so I could run errands and he agreed." Angie looked surprised and Jennifer got the impression that Jensen had not previously been the biggest help around the house.

 "It sounds like he is trying to show you he loves you, not just tell you. Love isn't just the words you say. It isn't something you are in and it's not someplace to fall. Love is something that you do. It's a verb, not an adjective. And to make a strong marriage takes dedication and effort. I think Jensen is figuring out that it isn't just saying some words and then you can coast." Angie looked thoughtful at Jennifer's words.

 "Maybe I've been coasting too. I guess I thought we got married and now it should be easy. I think I've been taking him for granted for a long time. As long as he was beside me I figured everything was okay and it didn't matter that we didn't really see each other." She spoke slowly as she considered things she never had before.

 "It sounds like it's time to look. Perhaps you can see him with new eyes. Not eyes that take for granted, and not eyes that judge and see only the pain he caused you, but eyes that accept that neither of you is perfect and start again." Jennifer patted her friend's hand with an understanding smile. "And maybe it's time to head home and talk to him?"

 "I think it is." Angie sounded thoughtful. "Thank you, Jennifer. For being understanding, but not too understanding. You said some things I needed to hear and gave me a lot to think about. Everyone else has just been telling me I was right to throw him out, that it's all his fault and I should divorce him and take him for everything he's got. You are my only friend that cared enough to give me some hard truths. And you are right, I think I'm going to go home and have a real conversation with my husband, maybe for the first time ever." She seemed much happier as she walked out of the house than she had walking in.

 Jennifer left a note for Jonathan and left to run an errand of her own. He loved to hear her sing so for their anniversary this year she was going to sing for him. She had been secretly meeting with a voice coach and had made arrangements with a very special musician to play for their anniversary party. She was even more excited about this party than usual, this year she was really going to surprise him.

 Jonathan was at home when she returned and tonight it was her turn to hold him close and share her revelations from the day. She was more thankful than ever that she and Jonathan made it a consistent priority to talk to each other. To not allow anger and fears fester. There was nothing that she felt would be 'too much' to entrust to his hands. No matter what she told him she knew her heart was safe with him and she tried very hard to show him that his fears and dreams were just as safe with her.

 "Let's eat quickly," she told him now. "I've been dreaming of being with you all day. I want us to get lost in each other, to be so close that we can't tell where you end and I begin, as close to you as I can be. I want to make love until the sun comes up and then goes down again. I want to be with you, skin on skin until there is not even a shadow of distance between us." Her words were spoken against his ear and the very vibration of her voice stirred him. He led her up the stairs, calling Max over his shoulder to bring their supper up on a tray in an hour or so.

 He understood exactly what she was feeling since he had felt the same yesterday. That sense of the fragility in a marriage, the need to be ever vigilant to maintain those bonds above all other obligations. The necessity of believing their love would transcend time, that there was only one truly great love in a person's life and they were it for each other.

 "I want to breathe you until I can feel you in my blood." She told him urgently as they tumbled into bed still half dressed.

 "You are my sweet addiction, I want to wrap the moon around us until you are my only reality." He spoke with his lips against her skin as though he couldn't bear to stop kissing her for even a second. "I can dream of no greater gift when my time comes than to die of pleasure while making love to you."

 "Then St. Peter had better have room in that chariot for two." She responded tartly. He loved the very mercurialness of her moods. He never knew what she might say from second to second. Here she was sassing St. Peter when only a moment ago she was almost in tears.

 "Darling, if you were a drink you'd be single barrel bourbon on ice. Smooth with a kick. A chill and a burn all at the same time." He told her now, tiny kisses nipping at her neck in that sweet spot he knew made her crazy.

 "Jonathan, you're so corny sometimes." She teased gently.

 "Yes, I know. I never want to be less than completely over the top for you. But in this case, I stole the line. It was from a song I heard on the radio coming home this afternoon. Someone called Brad Paisley, and boy does he understand you. Whomever he was singing about must have been your twin in another life because he called her 'sunshine mixed with a little hurricane' and I can't think of a better description of you."

 His kisses had moved to the hollow spot at the base of her throat causing her to shiver in his arms. Suddenly she couldn't come up with a clever response, all of her attention was focused on the southward journey of his lips across her skin.

"Turn off the lights." He murmured now, his kisses tickling her collarbone. The room was plunged into blackness, the moonless night not giving even a glimmer of light to spill in through the big windows, and they were too deep in the canyon to see the glow of lights from Los Angeles.

 "Don't you want me to turn on the small lamp in my dressing room?" It was so dark that she couldn't see even the outline of his body covering hers. She knew how much he loved watching her reactions, loved seeing her come apart at his lightest touch.

 "Shh, my lips know where to go." He assured her, proving it by moving down to the narrow valley between her breasts. He licked the trace of sweat that had gathered there in the sultry heat of the July night. The mere fact that she couldn't see him at all contributed to her heightened arousal, she never knew where the next kiss might land even though she knew their eventual destination.

 "My hands know how to find yours and trace them back to your lips. You are my Northern Star and I would be able to find my way to you in the darkest night, the roughest seas. You will always be the lighthouse calling me home." His tongue dipped suddenly into the shell of her navel and she almost cried out at the pleasure of the unexpected touch. "No matter where I am I can feel your breath on my skin. I hear your heart beat in every breeze and taste your kiss on every word that falls from my lips."

 "Jonathan," his name was a breath on her lips as he kissed the soft, sweet, center of her. "Jonathan," she repeated again and again like a lifeline until it became wordless syllables and he took her to that place where nothing mattered but his touch. The coyotes and night birds were the only creatures awake to hear her cries of passion in the darkness.

 Across town, Angie and Jensen were talking softly together, holding hands on the sofa. Angie had been pleasantly surprised to arrive home and find Aislynn fed and bathed and already dressed in a lightweight sleepsack. Jensen had unloaded the dishwasher for her and when she sat down he brought her a plate of her favorite takeout Chinese food.

 "I had to order delivery since I can't cook anything better than hot dogs." He had spoken with quiet sincerity, unlike the thinly veiled sarcasm she had come to expect. He held Aislynn while Angie ate, rocking her gently on his shoulder just the way she liked to fall asleep. And when Angie had finished her supper and went to put the baby to bed, Jensen took her dirty dishes, rinsed them, and loaded them into the dishwasher for her. He didn't turn on the television or check his cell phone when she returned but poured a glass of wine for each of them and asked about her day.

 They talked late into the night. While the Harts were making love, the Bryants were rebuilding it. When Angie could no longer stifle her yawn, Jensen apologized for keeping her up so late and got ready to leave.

 "You could stay here, on the sofa. You know, if you wanted too." Angie blurted out suddenly. Her cheeks were stained pink and she looked almost shy.

 "I would like that very much, Jensen told her simply. They didn't speak as Angie fetched spare linens and they made up the sofa together. The easy camaraderie of the evening was gone as they each pondered the implications of this decision.

 "Angie, may I kiss you goodnight?" He asked her. She couldn't speak but she gave him a small nod. He was in front of her in an instant but then time seemed to slow to a crawl. He took her face in his hands and brought his face close to hers with infinite tenderness. Her lips were parted but he made no attempt to enter. He just covered her lips with his own and kissed her for what seemed like hours.

 She could feel the heat between them again, a fire she had thought was extinguished. But again he made no attempt to go further than this slow, sweet kiss. He kissed her until there was nothing in the world except his lips on hers. Until there was no oxygen beyond what they shared between them. He kissed her until, at last, she broke away.

 "Goodnight, my love." He told her.

 "Am I?" She asked him. "Am I still your love?" She didn't look angry or judgemental, only curious.

 "Forevermore." He said honestly. She went to their bed and fell asleep with his simple answer echoing in her heart.

   Chapter Three

 "That's wonderful. I will fax you all the details. I can hardly wait, this is going to be the best one yet." Jennifer hung up the phone quietly, aware that the shower had shut off in the middle of her call and he surely heard at least part of her conversation. She thought back desperately, had she said anything that might give her away? She didn't think so.

 "Who was on the phone?" He asked her casually, leaning into the room wearing nothing but a towel around his waist. A stray drop of water dripped from his hair to roll down his chest. She was mesmerized watching it track through the nest of hair, catching the light as it moved. Jonathan would have to be blind to miss the way she licked her lips and unconsciously pressed her knees together.

 "Oh, it was Sister Domenica. She wanted to go over some of the details of the charity ball next month." She lied quickly. Jonathan had grown up in the Mission Street Orphanage and Sister Domenica had a tremendous influence on him. He credited her with instilling the love of learning that got him where he was today. Jennifer thought that the mention of her name would distract him sufficiently that he wouldn't question her further. She was a terrible liar. Her cheeks turned pink and her eyes got big and panicky. It was only at poker that she could bluff successfully.

 Jonathan was quite distracted, but it had nothing to do with her words and everything to do with the way she was staring at his body and he knew he would be going to work late this morning. It only took a few steps and he was standing at the edge of the bed. Directly in front of where Jennifer sat in her pretty, white nightgown, her hand still resting on the phone. She reached up slowly and touched the drop of water caught in the tangle of hair, the hair she delighted in dragging her nails through as he made love to her.

 She traced the path of wetness back up to his shoulder where it had begun its journey, then ran her fingers through his wet hair. The dark brown strands were liberally sprinkled with salt and pepper now, just a bit heavier at the temples, making him look even more distinguished in his suit and tie.

 It made him look rakish when it was rumpled from their lovemaking and she decided she would much rather see it disheveled just now. She very deliberately laid back on her pillows and opened her arms to him. The towel dropped forgotten on the floor as Jonathan moved into her welcoming embrace. He always made love to her generously, seeing to her total satisfaction before his own and today was no different. She knew the echoes of her cries would reverberate in the heavy late August air, right in through the big, open windows downstairs. And that Max would smile knowingly at them and make a point to mention how late it was when they finally made it to the breakfast table.

 Jonathan knew she was lying about the phone call but he didn't care. He trusted Jennifer and whatever the call had been about was her business, he didn't need to pry. If it concerned him she would tell him in her own time. And then her hands were drowning out every distraction, and he surrendered himself completely to their dancing touch.

   She was right, Max had commented that they might need a new alarm clock if the old one kept such terrible time that they were late to breakfast so often. Jonathan just smiled that secret smile at her, the smile that was no secret at all, it was known to lovers the world over. She didn't care how much Max teased. She was secure and happy in the cocoon of Jonathan's love. Plus, Angie had called yesterday to request another lunch date and this Angie sounded much happier than the sobbing woman she had counseled a month ago.

 "Oh Jennifer, it's as if we are on our honeymoon again. Except, this time it's not just the incredible sex. He asks about my day and he actually listens to me. He looks in my eyes when I'm talking. And now at night while I'm getting Aislynn bathed and put to bed, he washes the dinner dishes for me. Once she's asleep he pours us a glass of wine and we cuddle on the couch and talk, no television, no cell phone, we just talk to each other about whatever comes to mind."

 Jennifer and Angie were, once again, sitting in the comfortable pink chairs by the fireplace. They could smell the honeysuckle and jasmine that wrapped the small terrace outside the french doors Jennifer had thrown open. Jonathan had had this tiny little terrace built for her birthday last year and Max had planted flowering vines all around it that climbed and wound around the trellises until she had a secret spot where she could read or dream undisturbed.

 "I'm so happy for you two. If you put in the effort then the honeymoon never ends. Jonathan is far and away, the best lover I've ever had. Not just technique, because anyone can learn that, but he listens. Really listens, to my words and to all of the things that have no words. He hears what my body tells him, it makes every time feel like the first time."

 Jennifer was happy for her friends. Jensen and Angie had been a perfect fit right from the beginning. If they had known she was playing matchmaker back then they would have dug in their heels and refused. Instead, she waited for a company party and casually introduced them. The air around them practically crackled with the strength of their attraction to each other. Their respective dates that evening commiserated together over being ditched and then went home together for a night. The Bryants had been inseparable ever since.

 "To make sure we don't get complacent again, every morning we ask each other 'what is one thing I can do today to serve you?' It's usually something simple like him asking me to have the car serviced, or I'll ask him to pick up the dry cleaning on his way home. But it reminds us to help each other, that we are a team.

 "And since you and Jonathan are responsible for it, we wanted you to be the first to know ... we're having a baby. We only found out yesterday, I called you from the doctor's office. I'm a little less than three weeks along but I was pretty sure when I started getting sick whenever I smelled meat cooking. it was the same way with Aislynn. I know we're not supposed to tell anyone until we are past twelve weeks but you guys saved our marriage. This little guy, or girl, wouldn't exist without you."

  The anniversary party was due to start any minute and Jennifer was nervous, more nervous than she had ever been before. Sure, she had sung in a few charity shows but that was always with someone else singing with her, and they were always amateurs like herself. This was her, all alone with a professio76`nal musician. And worst of all was that she couldn't let any of it show. She couldn't tell Jonathan that the butterflies in her stomach had been eaten by a herd of angry tyrannosaurs because she couldn't tell him why she was nervous. She only hoped she would be able to get through it once she was standing in front of him. His nearness gave her strength.

 "Can I have everyone's attention please?" She tapped her wedding ring against the crystal champagne flute in her hand. The hundred or so friends milling about her living room turned to look at her next to the piano. "Jonathan, Darling, I know how much you love music so I have arranged some special entertainment for this evening. Happy anniversary, Darling. Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Jim Brickman. The applause swelled as the pianist entered the room and took his place at Jonathan's piano. He winked at Jennifer and she took a deep breath as he played the opening bars of the song she had chosen. She looked only at Jonathan and began to sing.

 "If there were no words, no way to speak

I would still hear you

If there were no tears, no way to feel inside

I'd still feel for you

And even if the sun refused to shine

Even if romance ran out of rhyme

You would still have my heart

Until the end of time

You're all I need, my love, my valentine

All of my life I have been waiting for

All you've given me

You've opened my eyes

And taught me how to love unselfishly

I've dreamed of this a thousand times before

And in my dreams I couldn't love you more

I will give you my heart

Until the end of time

You're all I need my love, my valentine

And even if the sun refused to shine

Even if romance ran out of rhyme

You would still have my heart

Until the end of time

'Cause all I need is you

My Valentine

You're all I need, my love,

My Valentine"

 She finished singing still looking at Jonathan. When she had started his eyes widened in surprise. He had assumed the private concert was his gift. When he realized his real gift was Jennifer singing for him, he was both stunned and incredibly touched. He loved to hear her sing but she didn't often let people hear her unless it was for charity. He knew how much it took for her to stand up in front of all of their friends and sing without stopping. He held her close and kissed her long and slow as the applause gradually died down.

 "Thank you, Darling." He whispered just for her. "I will treasure the memory of this always"

 "I'll sing for you again soon. Cross my heart." She made the childish gesture of drawing an X over her left breast.

 "Pinky swear?" He teased her, holding up his fist.

 "Pinky swear." She answered him, a radiant smile on her face as she raised her own fist and hooked her pinky around his. Instead of releasing her pinky he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her little finger where it was joined to his.

 That makes it a solemn vow." He told her with semi-mocking seriousness. "You can't back out now or you'll break out in hives and all of your hair will fall out."

 "Will you still love me if all my hair falls out and I'm covered with ugly hives?" She teased him back.

 "I will love you to my last breath. Everyone gets one perfect love in their life and you are mine. Even if you ever left me, I would go to my grave with your name on my lips." He spoke seriously but then a smile broke across his face. "Cross my heart." He copied her X shape over his heart then kissed her as if the hundred guests didn't exist and they were alone in the house. Fortunately, their friends were all used to the Harts frequent, spontaneous displays of affection and they simply went back to chatting amongst themselves or listening to the amazing skill Jim Brickman brought to Jonathan's old piano.

   Chapter Four

 "Darling, I can't face cleaning this up. Let's just sell the house." Jennifer had removed her dainty satin sandals but still looked stunning in her liquid metal gown of pale rose gold that set her hair aflame. Jonathan didn't speak but only knelt on the floor in front of her spot on the sofa taking each foot in turn and massaging it tenderly. As he manipulated her left foot the dress fell on either side of her thigh, the high slit revealing her long dancer's legs that he loved so much.

 He dropped his head to kiss her instep, her ankle, her shapely calf. Every brush of his lips brought him higher along her leg. He kissed all the way to the top of the slit in the fragile fabric and then he kissed along the scrollwork of tiny glass beads so perfectly matched to the metallic shimmer of the fabric that they were almost invisible until she moved. Then the beads caught the light to reveal an undulating pattern of swirls and arcs.

 The silk organza lining slid over her skin with the lightest sibilant whisper despite the weight of the beading. He seemed to have a specific destination in mind as his lips traced a path up her body, not distracted by even his usual playgrounds. His body covered hers as he moved. Up the delicate, beaded bodice and the expanse of soft skin it didn't cover. Along her collarbone where she waited to feel the thin straps of her gown slip off of her shoulders. But he didn't touch them. Instead, he kept moving, up her throat and along her jaw, all the way to her ear.

 "Dance with me." The low growl in his voice was half arousal, half command and she was helpless to resist after the long, slow seduction of his kisses. Standing, he held out his hand to lift her to her feet and touched the small remote that activated the sound system. She heard her own voice coming from the concealed speakers and she looked at him in wonder, the question plain in her eyes.

 "Jim set it up during his soundcheck. He said he thought I should have more than just the memories of this night. He didn't tell you he was recording?" Jennifer just shook her head. She couldn't decide if she was embarrassed listening to herself, or proud that she had done it. Probably a little of both.

 She and Jonathan were both competent dancers, they loved dancing together and had years of practicing on every available dance floor or just twirling around the living room, they could foxtrot and swing with the best of them. But tonight they just held each other, swaying softly in time with the beautiful song Jennifer was singing on the stereo. Jonathan clicked the button that activated the upstairs speakers in their bedroom and they danced their way up the staircase arm in arm.

 Clothes seemed to melt away piece by piece as they danced to Jim's beautiful piano playing before they went to bed and made love accompanied by Jennifer singing her devotion to him again.

 "I want you to sing for me every anniversary." He told her, feeling the exquisite friction as he seated himself inside the furnace of her body. A sigh escaped her lips with the slow press of him filling her. Their dance went on long into the hot, August night.

  The sun was high in the cloudless sky when Max brought up their breakfast tray just as the phone rang on the bedside table. There was an awkward moment as Max was right in the middle of handing off the heavy bedtable and both he and Jonathan had their hands full getting it placed and steady but eventually they got it sorted out.

 "Jonathan, it's Abe. I think I have a lead on those emails. It wasn't easy to sneak through the Chinese government's firewalls. Let me tell you, Area 51 has got nothing on these guys when it comes to secrecy. I've traced them back as far as Huawei Technologies but I haven't isolated which computer yet. When I do, I have a worm program I can insert that will isolate and destroy any emails or photos that correspond to specific keywords. I can't stop it if it's already been disseminated but if it's only been sent to Jensen we might be able to contain it."

 "Thanks, Abe. Let me know if you get more." Jonathan hung up the phone. "I'm sorry, Darling. I told Abe to use my private phone because I didn't want the Bryant's personal issues going through the company phones, just in case." He sat back and accepted the bite of pancake she offered him.

 Max had the best fluffy pancakes, He once told Jennifer that the secret was seltzer water in the batter but she had never been able to duplicate the height and flavor he could produce. She loaded another bite onto her fork then speared a piece of strawberry and savored the mouthful. She didn't know where Max found fresh strawberries so late in the summer but they were perfect, just tart enough to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup and powdered sugar.

 "Is there anything better than Max's pancakes in bed on Sunday morning?" She asked him, prepping another bite.

 "I can think of one thing." Jonathan leered comically at her over the tray and she laughed happily.

 "Jonathan, not before the crossword." His laughter joined hers as he handed over the Arts & Leisure section of the paper. "Just don't take too long."

  September dawned smokey in Mandeville Canyon. The wildfires that plagued Southern California every year had come quite close, at one point flames were visible over Canyonback Ridge. The Harts had evacuated to the Bel-Air Hotel for a few worrisome days but fortunately, the smokejumpers did an amazing job of turning back the fire and they were able to go home again to nothing worse than a few singed trees.

 On the morning of the Fall Equinox Jennifer blinked sleepily awake to find Jonathan gazing at her. He was propped on one elbow watching her sleep and he reached across the small space between them to lift a stray curl away from her eyes.

 "You're staring at me."

 "I'm looking at you. I like looking at you."

 "When I'm asleep?"

 "Always. Look over there." He jerked his chin towards the corner and she spotted a large flat parcel wrapped in silver paper that was printed all over with 'Happy Anniversary'.

 "What is this for? You already gave me my anniversary gift. And I love it." She said, touching the gold and diamond heart on a gold chain so fine and delicate that it was almost invisible against her skin.

 "Oh. Well, that one must be for next year then. Never mind. What do you suppose Max is making for breakfast."

 "Jonathan, that's not fair. You know I love surprises."

 "Then how about if we call this an addendum to your anniversary gift then." He grinned as Jennifer scrambled out of bed.

 "What is it?"

 "A new car." He answered dryly.

 "It's not very heavy." She tore the paper to reveal a square canvas painted with a stylized red heart against a field of sky blue crossing the square was a pink line that looped to spell out 'Valentine' across the heart.

 "I had it commissioned after your beautiful song." He explained amid her kisses.

 "I'm going to hang it in my office. Right next to my desk where I can see it every day. Thank you, Darling. I love it."

 "You just remember your promise to sing for me every year."

 "Cross my heart."

[spitech]

How a site gets done at SPI

Posted under Get Online on November 6, 2007

A lot of people wonder what's involved with putting together a professionally-looking, money-making, fully-functional website. Doesn't matter if it's a website, a web service, a blog or a shopping-cart, the process is always the same. It starts with a client surfing over to SoftwareProjects.com, clicking on the "Projects" tab and posting a Project. All projects are broken down to three components: #1. Graphic Design #2. Content #3. Programming As a matter of policy, we limit every single project to a maximum of 12 hours. If anything is going to take longer than 12 hours, it is broken down to sub projects. This helps keeping everything managable. All communication, including emails, attachments, drafts and chat messages, is stored in the system as part of the designated project. Here's the synopsis of how a recent comparison shopping site got done by SPI:

Quote:

Opened by Quad Helper Sep 11 08:28 I am starting a new deals & coupons site like http://www.fatwallet.com and http://www.slickdeals.net (I still don't have the domain name and sitename secured. Once I complete the purchase within the next two days I will tell you the name) I really like the web 2.0 design of ubuntux.org and looking for something similar, but with better bigger tabs Please let me know what it would take to create a new unique design like ubuntux.org for my deals site Follow-up by Andrew Sorenson Sep 11 18:34 SPEC: Hello, Ubuntux.org is clean and simple but there are a few improvements possible. I think the tabs should be centered and not on the far left side of the screen, if you look on a wide 20" screen, which is getting quite common it's difficult to navigate. Also the content width should be limited to a maximum of 85% of the screen width for big screens, otherwise the text is difficult to read. The attached specification includes the main page layout, and 2-3 base content pages design. Please let me know the content that has to be put inside. COST: 12 hours Follow-up by Quad Helper Sep 13 18:00 I don't have a corporate identity or anything like that. The content should be the same as dealofday.com, slickdeals.net, fatwallet.com. I want to list coupons and deals and merchants I should finish the domain purchase today and then I can tell you the name of the site How soon can we get this done? Follow-up by Andrew Sorenson Sep 16 15:57 Hi, Usually within a week (so by 24 of September it could be ready), but depends on how many versions we'll have to produce until you're happy with the look & feel. You need to approve the specification before we get started. Follow-up by Quad Helper Oct 1 07:55 QUOTE APPROVED Follow-up by Andrew Sorenson Oct 1 11:28 DEADLINE SET TO October 22, 2007 I've set a long deadline so we have time available between reviews if required. Follow-up by Quad Helper Oct 1 12:44 Thank you. Is there a way we can have it sooner? What do you need from me? Follow-up by Andrew Sorenson Oct 1 13:17 you will have the first drafts in 3-4 days, and depending on how many changes you will need on these drafts, we will go forward. I have all the informations we need right now for the drafts. Follow-up by Andrew Sorenson Oct 11 13:56 Hi, Attached please find three design concepts we created. Let me know which one you like best. Follow-up by Quad Helper Oct 12 08:37 Now you're talking! I like the last version the best! I think we need a different color instead of the green. We can keep the orange+new color, or come up with two completely new colors. We can't use the green because it is too much like FatWallet. Follow-up by Andrew Sorenson Oct 12 09:41 I'm glad you like it I will send you today a new version with the requested modifications. . . Follow-up by Andrew Sorenson Oct 15 14:19 Ok, so we are ok with graphics. I'll go ahead and switch to working on the HTML rendering. Follow-up by Quad Helper Oct 17 12:21 Looks gr8 Follow-up by Andrew Sorenson Oct 22 11:49 Hi, Attached is the product page made in HTML. I will post the other ones in a few hours. Follow-up by Quad Helper Oct 22 20:36 Everything looks great. Can you just make it clear what tab in the top and bottom row is currently selected? Resolved by Andrew Sorenson Oct 22 20:50 PROJECT COMPLETED: Done! Attached is the final version with your requested changes. I will have copywriting follow up with you to work on the content.

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[chandlermovestomichigan]

Spring 2017- The Semester So Far

I started writing this post back in February. And then I lost it because I couldn't remember what app I wrote it in. So yea, this is a pretty late time in the semester for a "mid-semester review," and may end up being more of a final overview. I'm okay with that.

In some ways, it feels like I'm still getting into the swing of things, so it can be hard to believe that I've been here for a month already (at least, I had in February). In other ways, it's like I never left.

Classes Overview: Renaissance - Dr. Gaetano It's a good thing that Dr. Gaetano warned us about all the reading we would have for this class, because yea, it's a lot of reading. But it's all good stuff. We started the course talking mostly about understandings of the Middle Ages, and now we've been focusing on writings on education. I guess the question of what makes up a good education has been on my mind a lot lately, so it's good for me to think about it in the scholastic/humanistic contexts. And, of course, I love history, and I like studying how people thought.

Intro to Journalism II - Mrs. Servold This is just like Intro to Journalism I but better. The focus is on feature and opinion writing. I like both of these better than news reporting, because even though interviews and research can be fun, I'm getting tired of the strict formulaic writing that comes with it. Features and op-eds are much more fun, and we've read some pretty great examples so far. This was the only midterm I've ever gotten higher than 100% on, which is just another reason I like this class.

Intro to Psychology - Dr. McArthur I signed up for this class last semester and dropped it after about a week because it was so much reading. Which it is. Most of it is pretty easy to understand, though. We recently (in February) finished the Biology section, which I'm glad about because I have a really hard time remembering that stuff. Much of my time on this class has been dedicated to a group project. We were supposed to present last week, but hadn't actually done our experiment yet. That's mostly due to my professor's inability to respond to emails in a timely manner, so luckily she doesn't mind us presenting late. The plan now is to do the experiments this week and present on Thursday, so I'll have to let you know how that goes. It's frustrating that it's taking so long, so it will be good to have it over. UPDATE: we finally did the experiment and it was super fun. We went to the preschool to test children's understanding of conservation. So for instance, I had two identical glasses with equal amounts of water, but once I poured one into a beaker, the kids thought the beaker suddenly had more water. Silly children. They don't understand that just because something changes shape doesn't mean it changes mass. Adorable.

US & the World Since WWII - Dr. Moreno It's hard to say exactly what I think of this class. We're covering a lot of material without going very in-depth, which you pretty much have to do to cover so many events in one semester. So I think I'm learning, but I feel like I could be learning better. Part of that is from putting off reading in order to focus on an upcoming paper (and other homework), so I'll be able to get on that next week. UPDATE: I've now had two papers in this class and I felt good about both of them. The first was on Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care, and the second was LBJ's Howard Commencement Address. We don't choose our own topics, which is unusual, but it's worked out.

January highlights:

My dorm, Mauck, was redecorated over the summer/fall! And it's lovely. My room is big and blue and adorable. It's nice to have such a fancy dorm with air conditioning and all kinds of important things.

The improv group "Broadway's Next Hit Musical" came to Hillsdale and performed songs based on audience suggestions, one of which turned into a full musical. It was hilarious. They really did their research, too, and made some very Hillsdale-specific jokes (i.e. "Hillsdating), which added to the charm.

I started taking voice lessons (in addition to guitar still) for the first time since second semester freshman year. I'm really enjoying it! I have the same teacher, Kristi Matson, who I had before, and I like her a lot. I had this "irrational" fear beforehand that she'd try to convince me I'm actually a soprano instead of an alto like I've always sung, which turned out to be a perfectly rational fear. But I'm liking those high notes much more than I thought I would.

A friend approached me over Christmas break about helping him edit/upload online-only pieces for the Collegian website, so I started doing that. The section is called Study Break, and we cover a range of topics, from op-eds to fun listicles or other features. I really like editing! And it's good to know the ropes of the website.

February highlights:

I started a radio show! Well, my friend Sarah Schutte asked me if I was interested in co-hosting a show with her about the history of Hillsdale College, and obviously heck yes I was. Now, we record two three-and-a-half minute clips a week with fun facts and anecdotes. You can hear episodes of "Wait, What Happened?" on Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM (also SoundCloud).

I met a Hillsdale alumna named Joy Pullmann, who is both an editor at The Federalist and a homeschool mom, so basically who I plan to grow up to be. Which I told her, and then she asked if I wanted to write for her. Which obviously heck yes I did. Here is a piece I sent her!

Somehow, I wrote in my planner that I had a midterm on February 9. Felt very unprepared. Realized 30 min before that it was on March 9. Relief.

Every year, the ladies of SAI call people and perform "Singing Valentines" around Feb. 14. It's always a good time. Sometimes people request really weird songs, which adds to the bizarreness of the whole situation. I called my mom and we sang "My Heart Will Go On," which apparently my dad wasn't thrilled with because she kept singing it all day.

I got an email from George Angell of the theatre department asking if I was planning to audition for the upcoming play he was directing. I wasn't, but he said he had me in mind for the female lead. All year, I’ve had this idea that if someone specifically asked me to audition for a play, and wanted me for a challenging role, then I'd do it. So that's what happened! Now I'm playing Doctor Mathilde von Zahnd in Durrenmatt's The Physicists. It's quite a show. I'll have to write a whole post about it later, for fear of spoilers. We open on Wednesday!

I went to Jilly Beans- this cute little coffee shop in town- with friends to celebrate my 22nd birthday! It was a lovely time.

My friend Sarah and I decided to pick up a little (as in, little sister) together in SAI. Unfortunately, the girl we chose ended up deciding not to join after all, which was a bummer. But, there's still next semester.

March highlights:

Mom and dad came for Parent's Weekend! Normally, they come in the fall, but my mom wasn't able to take work off. They got to see the new Mauck, meet our professors, and hang out with us. Mom ended up sticking around a few extra days and visiting classical schools, then she and I flew home together for spring break.

We all saw the musical "Kiss Me, Kate" that the theatre department performed. It was very cute and super well done.

We also saw paintings by Winston Churchill on display in Sage.

Hillsdale went on lockdown after a former student called in a threat. It was a little scary, but no one ended up being in danger. The student was caught that same afternoon. Certainly a strange experience.

We had SAI formal in the Mauck Solarium. I took my friend Noah. It was really fun! We mostly played card games and Bananagrams. And experienced a modern day photobooth- a selfie stick and props.

April highlights:

I attended Opera Workshop. The show consisted of different songs from various operas all centering around madness and death. It was really good, though pretty long.

I wrote an op-ed on why Hillsdale students should read up on the history of the college.

The SAI concert! It was fantastic! At least, I think so. Here’s a full video. and here is where I am: Blue Skies Fairest Lord Jesus Depreston (solo) thank you Dani and Giannina! Touch the Sky Another day of Sun (solo)

I went to Chicago with some students and professors from the History department. I'd never been before, and it was really cool! I mostly stayed with my friends Mary and Patience from SAI, and we wandered the Field Museum, the Navy Pier, and other cool historic spots.

The theatre honorary (APO) had an initiation, which was theatrical as always. I now have an APO little- my friend Jonathan Henreckson. His girlfriend is my APO big, Elena Creed, and together they consider themselves Regan's parents. So we have a bizarre little family situation going on.

I stayed on campus this Easter, which I somehow didn't realize was an option until this year. It ended up being a great call. I got some work done, got to relax, and went to my home church here (Countryside) with Regan and Matthew.

I'm sitting in a brand-new coffee shop called Rough Draft. It's charming and the coffee is very good. I plan to spend lots more time here.

Looking forward:

It's hard to believe the semester is almost over. Finals week will be here before I know it.

Right in the middle of finals week is the performance of Shakespeare in the Arb's Taming of the Shrew. I joined the crew last semester as the graphic designer, and somehow found myself with two small roles as well. I think it will be a good show. We've certainly put a lot of work into it.

In my penultimate semester, I will be taking:

Constitutional Convention – Rahe

Ancient Rome – Calvert

Biology (Human) – Johnson

Philosophy of Education – Beier

Voice – Matson

And of course, more writing for the Collegian.

I don't actually believe that I only have two more semesters. Maybe it will hit me soon.

[spitech]

How a site gets done at SPI

Posted under Get Online on November 6, 2007

A lot of people wonder what's involved with putting together a professionally-looking, money-making, fully-functional website. Doesn't matter if it's a website, a web service, a blog or a shopping-cart, the process is always the same. It starts with a client surfing over to SoftwareProjects.com, clicking on the "Projects" tab and posting a Project. All projects are broken down to three components: #1. Graphic Design #2. Content #3. Programming As a matter of policy, we limit every single project to a maximum of 12 hours. If anything is going to take longer than 12 hours, it is broken down to sub projects. This helps keeping everything managable. All communication, including emails, attachments, drafts and chat messages, is stored in the system as part of the designated project. Here's the synopsis of how a recent comparison shopping site got done by SPI:

Quote:

Opened by Quad Helper Sep 11 08:28 I am starting a new deals & coupons site like http://www.fatwallet.com and http://www.slickdeals.net (I still don't have the domain name and sitename secured. Once I complete the purchase within the next two days I will tell you the name) I really like the web 2.0 design of ubuntux.org and looking for something similar, but with better bigger tabs Please let me know what it would take to create a new unique design like ubuntux.org for my deals site Follow-up by Andrew Sorenson Sep 11 18:34 SPEC: Hello, Ubuntux.org is clean and simple but there are a few improvements possible. I think the tabs should be centered and not on the far left side of the screen, if you look on a wide 20" screen, which is getting quite common it's difficult to navigate. Also the content width should be limited to a maximum of 85% of the screen width for big screens, otherwise the text is difficult to read. The attached specification includes the main page layout, and 2-3 base content pages design. Please let me know the content that has to be put inside. COST: 12 hours Follow-up by Quad Helper Sep 13 18:00 I don't have a corporate identity or anything like that. The content should be the same as dealofday.com, slickdeals.net, fatwallet.com. I want to list coupons and deals and merchants I should finish the domain purchase today and then I can tell you the name of the site How soon can we get this done? Follow-up by Andrew Sorenson Sep 16 15:57 Hi, Usually within a week (so by 24 of September it could be ready), but depends on how many versions we'll have to produce until you're happy with the look & feel. You need to approve the specification before we get started. Follow-up by Quad Helper Oct 1 07:55 QUOTE APPROVED Follow-up by Andrew Sorenson Oct 1 11:28 DEADLINE SET TO October 22, 2007 I've set a long deadline so we have time available between reviews if required. Follow-up by Quad Helper Oct 1 12:44 Thank you. Is there a way we can have it sooner? What do you need from me? Follow-up by Andrew Sorenson Oct 1 13:17 you will have the first drafts in 3-4 days, and depending on how many changes you will need on these drafts, we will go forward. I have all the informations we need right now for the drafts. Follow-up by Andrew Sorenson Oct 11 13:56 Hi, Attached please find three design concepts we created. Let me know which one you like best. Follow-up by Quad Helper Oct 12 08:37 Now you're talking! I like the last version the best! I think we need a different color instead of the green. We can keep the orange+new color, or come up with two completely new colors. We can't use the green because it is too much like FatWallet. Follow-up by Andrew Sorenson Oct 12 09:41 I'm glad you like it I will send you today a new version with the requested modifications. . . Follow-up by Andrew Sorenson Oct 15 14:19 Ok, so we are ok with graphics. I'll go ahead and switch to working on the HTML rendering. Follow-up by Quad Helper Oct 17 12:21 Looks gr8 Follow-up by Andrew Sorenson Oct 22 11:49 Hi, Attached is the product page made in HTML. I will post the other ones in a few hours. Follow-up by Quad Helper Oct 22 20:36 Everything looks great. Can you just make it clear what tab in the top and bottom row is currently selected? Resolved by Andrew Sorenson Oct 22 20:50 PROJECT COMPLETED: Done! Attached is the final version with your requested changes. I will have copywriting follow up with you to work on the content.

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